Arsenal Transfer News Roundup: Gunners eyeing La Liga ace, club wanted Simon Adingra, and more - September 7, 2024
Arsenal have registered an unbeaten start to the new campaign under Mikel Arteta. The Spanish manager has overseen two wins and a draw from his three Premier League games this season.
Meanwhile, the Gunners are interested in a La Liga forward. Elsewhere, the north London side wanted to sign Simon Adingra this summer.
On that note, let's look at the major Arsenal transfer news from September 7, 2024.
Arsenal eyeing Nico Williams, says journalist
Arsenal have retained their interest in Nico Williams, according to transfer insider Ben Jacobs. The Spanish forward is a wanted man, with Chelsea and Barcelona also hot on his heels.
Williams has emerged as one of the most lethal attackers in the world in recent times and was outstanding for club and country last season. Despite interest, the 22-year-old opted against a move away from Athletic Bilbao this summer.
Jacobs told GIVEMESPORT the north London side could return for the Spaniard next year.
"Arsenal are looking for two things in wide areas. Number one - a left-sided winger or forward, who can be a regular starter and can contribute goals and assists. [Raheem] Sterling could be one option, but of course, Nico Williams is another that has been on their radar for quite some time," said Jacobs.
"The terms of that deal just need to be more affordable if Arsenal are to pull the trigger, but they want a starter on the left-hand side," he added.
Jacobs added that the Gunners also want a backup for Bukayo Saka in 2025.
"Sterling either has to show that he can compete and/or supplant [Gabriel] Martinelli - or Arsenal in a year's time may strengthen in that position with a younger name, or somebody that can actually be above Martinelli in the pecking order, at least on paper," said Jacobs.
"Then, the other thing they want to do is have more of a squad player or a backup to Bukayo Saka, to alleviate his burden," he concluded.
Saka has registered one goal and three assists in three league games this season.
Journalist says the Gunners wanted Simon Adingra
Arsenal were interested in Simon Adringra this summer, according to club insider Team News And Ticks. The Ivorian forward was in good form for Brighton & Hove Albion last season, scoring seven goals and setting up three more in 40 games across competitions.
His efforts turned heads at the Emirates, where a new forward was considered over the summer. Mikel Arteta has failed to break Manchester City's stronghold on the Premier League trophy and wanted to add more firepower to his attack.
The Spanish manager has shown a preference for younger talents in recent transfer windows and Adingra was tipped as an option this year. However, a move failed to materialize and the 22-year-old stayed put at the Amex.
Speaking on his Patreon, the journalist hinted that the Gunners balked at the Seagulls' valuation of Adingra.
“Simon Adingra, we broke Twitter with that one, he was trending because I said he was someone we were targeting. We did ask about the price, but it was way too high. I saw someone say Arsenal could get him for £30/35m, but Brighton’s price was much higher than that,” said TNAT.
The Ivorian is under contract with Brighton until 2026.
Journalist backs Raheem Sterling for permanent stay at the Emirates
Ben Jacobs has backed Raheem Sterling for a permanent stay at the Emirates. The English forward was deemed surplus to requirements at Chelsea by Enzo Maresca, who opted to let him go this summer.
Sterling made the short trip across London on deadline day in a season-long loan. The 29-year-old appeared 43 times across competitions for the Blues last season, scoring ten goals and setting up eight more.
Jacobs told GIVEMESPORT that Sterling is very excited to join the Gunners.
“Yeah, it's possible (a permanent stay). Raheem Sterling is very excited by the Arsenal move, a player that Mikel Arteta knows well, and exactly the kind of signing that Arsenal have done in the past, where they've seen opportunism in the market. And often it's those kind of players, Trossard, Jorginho, now Sterling, that have actually had huge benefit," said Jacobs.
“So Sterling has not arrived at Arsenal, even with Reiss Nelson departing for Fulham, feeling like he's guaranteed to start all of the big games. But he's prepared to be a squad player, and he knows that he's going to be integrated into the culture and get a fair amount of minutes throughout the season,” he added.
Arsenal do not have a buy option in the loan deal and are likely to make a decision based on the player's performance.