LONDON, England — Arsenal are continuing their search for attacking reinforcements despite an active summer transfer window, with the future of Athletic Club winger Nico Williams still attracting speculation while the Gunners have also made an enquiry about RB Leipzig youngster Yan Diomande.
The North London club had been heavily linked with Spain international Williams before he committed his future to Athletic Club by signing a new long-term contract that runs until June 2035. Although the new deal appeared to end speculation over an immediate move, the player’s representative has declined to completely dismiss the possibility of a future transfer.
Speaking to Spanish radio programme Radioestadio Noche, Williams’ agent, Félix Tainta, urged patience when asked about the winger’s future.
“Right now, stay calm. We need to stay calm; let him enjoy himself and disconnect from soccer. What is meant to happen will happen. Stay calm and relaxed,” Tainta said.
Arsenal have already strengthened their squad this summer with the arrivals of Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke in deals reportedly worth a combined £120 million. However, the departure of Leandro Trossard to Turkish side Besiktas has renewed the club’s search for another left-sided attacker ahead of the new Premier League season.
As part of that search, Arsenal have reportedly contacted RB Leipzig regarding the availability of highly rated Ivory Coast international Yan Diomande. The 19-year-old winger is under contract with the Bundesliga club until June 2030 and is believed to carry a valuation of around £94 million.
Diomande has attracted widespread interest across Europe following an impressive campaign in Germany. Paris Saint-Germain are understood to be the player’s preferred destination, although the French champions have yet to meet Leipzig’s asking price. Liverpool also remain interested after reportedly seeing an £85 million offer rejected earlier in the transfer window.
While Arsenal’s enquiry is understood to be exploratory at this stage, the club has reportedly asked to be kept informed of any developments as competition for the teenager’s signature continues to grow.
The Gunners are also monitoring several other attacking options, including Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, Ajax forward Mika Godts and Bosnian youngster Kerim Alajbegovic, as sporting director Andrea Berta continues work on strengthening Mikel Arteta’s squad before the transfer window closes.
Earlier in the summer, Arsenal completed the signings of goalkeeper Illan Meslier, winger Christos Tzolis and defender Piero Hincapie, but the club believes further additions will be needed to challenge for major honours in the upcoming campaign.
Following last season’s UEFA Champions League final, Arteta stressed that Arsenal must remain ambitious in the transfer market if they are to take the next step toward competing consistently for domestic and European titles.
“We will have to start making some very important decisions if we want to reach another level,” Arteta said. “We are going to have to show that ambition because we are more than capable of doing it, but it is going to demand us to be very ambitious, very fast and very smart.”
