Arsenal want to sign Nico Williams before deadline

Arsenal are reportedly keen on signing Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams before the transfer window closes on August 30.

The Gunners have had a quiet summer by their standards and they have made just outfield signing in the form of Riccardo Calafiori.

The club are expected to confirm Mikel Merino's move from Real Sociedad soon. It could be formally announced this weekend.

The Independent claim that a new winger is the next priority for the Gunners and they are prepared to spend big to land Williams.

The north London giants are willing to trigger his £48m release clause as well as make him one of the highest paid players.

However, a deal is far from straightforward. Williams is not contemplating a move away from the Basque outfit this summer.

He was recently handed the number 10 shirt and plans to continue with Bilbao for another year before assessing his options.

Hence, Arsenal may have to play the waiting game. They are more likely to pursue a stopgap signing before the transfer deadline.