Arsenal reigniting interest in ‘fantastic’ Euro 2024 starlet could already spell bad news for Raheem Sterling
Arsenal’s attacking talents are amongst the best in European football but to continue to challenge at the top of football, Mikel Arteta knows his side must continue to strengthen.
The Arsenal boss added Raheem Sterling to his ranks on loan from Chelsea, who looks to be a shrewd addition to support academy star Bukayo Saka.
Sterling and Saka will provide the threat from the right side, whilst Arsenal’s left flank is also strong with Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.
Trossard and Saka have both opened their scoring accounts for the season, alongside Kai Havertz’s two goals.
All seems well with Arsenal’s forward line, but fans remain concerned about the future of the right-wing position.
Before Sterling’s deadline day arrival, Arsenal fans were concerned about the lack of forward depth.
The England star provides the perfect support for Saka this season, but Edu Gaspar and owner Stan Kroenke will be actively searching for a long-term solution for the position.
Reports suggest that the club may have identified their man, as Arsenal look set to rekindle their interest in one of Europe’s hottest attacking stars.
Nico Williams remains top of Arsenal’s transfer wish list
The Gunners will reignite their interest in Spanish starlet Nico Williams once Sterling’s loan deal expires.
Arsenal were linked with Williams throughout the summer after the winger starred in Spain’s European Championship triumph.
Williams scored the opening goal as Spain overcame England in the final, leading to praise from Ghanaian icon Michael Essien.
The Spanish winger had a strong season at club level for Athletic Club, also. Providing 11 league assists along with five goals himself, Williams was an integral part of his boyhood club winning the Copa Del Rey.
If Arsenal can bring Williams to the Emirates Stadium it would certainly level up their attacking threat. However, the signing could prove fatal to any hope Sterling may have over an extended Gunners stay.
Nico Williams’ arrival could spell the end for Raheem Sterling
Sterling’s past with Arteta made him the ideal deadline-day signing for Arsenal, but he isn’t a cheap option in the long run.
Remarkably, Arsenal are playing less than half of Sterling’s £325,000 Chelsea wage to have him on loan this season, but would likely have to significantly increase that percentage if they were to sign the winger permanently.
The transfer fee itself shouldn’t be an issue, but Arsenal would likely struggle to finance a move for Williams as well as Sterling.
At 22, Williams would be the smarter long-term signing. He would provide an option for both wings and would be genuinely exciting for Gunners fans.
All roads therefore point to Sterling’s stay at Arsenal being a short one. Having not made his debut for Arteta’s side, though, there is still a chance that Sterling could force his way to the top of Arsenal’s wishlist and make the fans forget all about Williams.
