Arsenal Transfer News Roundup: Gunners retain Nico Williams interest, club wanted Brazilian ace this summer, and more - September 5, 2024
Arsenal have upgraded their squad over the summer as they attempt to get their hands on the Premier League trophy this season. Mikel Arteta roped in Riccardo Calafiori, Mikel Merino and Raheem Sterling, while David Raya was signed permanently after an impressive loan spell.
Meanwhile, the Gunners remain in the race to sign Nico Williams. Elsewhere, the north London side had their eyes on a Brazilian striker this summer.
On that note, let's look at the major Arsenal transfer news from September 5, 2024.
Arsenal retain Nico Williams interest
Arsenal have retained their interest in Nico Williams, according to GIVEMESPORT. The Gunners were linked with the 22-year-old this summer, but couldn't get a deal across the line.
Williams has generated significant interest in his services this summer, but opted against a move away from Athletic Bilbao this year. The north London side, meanwhile, opted to sign Raheem Sterling from Chelsea on a season-long loan to upgrade their attack.
However, the Englishman is only considered a stop-gap solution and Arsenal are likely to pursue a younger talent next summer. Williams was apparently their No.1 attacking target this summer and it is believed that the player remains open to a move to the Emirates in the future. However, the Gunners will face competition from Barcelona for his signature.
Gunners wanted Marcos Leonardo this summer
Arsenal were interested in Marcos Leonardo this summer, according to TBR Football. However, the report adds that they were priced out of a move.
The Gunners were looking for a new No. 9 this year and apparently wanted to sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig. However, their efforts went to waste as the Slovenian striker decided to stay put at the Red Bull Arena.
The north London side were linked with multiple other names, but ended up signing none before the end of the transfer window. It now appears that they also considered Marcos Leonardo, who had caught the eye with Benfica.
Arsenal apparently offered £25.5m for the 21-year-old few months ago, but couldn't convince the Portuguese club. They returned for the player this summer, and remained in talks with the player's entourage, despite interest from Al-Hilal.
However, the Gunners left the race once it became clear that the Saudi side were ready to pay £33.7m for the Brazilian. Marcos Leonardo eventually ended up joining Al-Hilal.
Former player backs Raheem Sterling to excel at the Emirates
Arsenal legend Ian Wright believes Raheem Sterling is a perfect fit at the Emirates. The English forward arrived at the club on deadline day in a straight loan-deal from Chelsea.
The Gunners were looking for attacking reinforcements and took the decision to move for Sterling late in the summer. The player was also linked with Manchester United but ended up making the short trip across London.
Speaking on his podcast,Wrighty’s House, Wright said that the move was a win-win situation for his former club.
“I’m absolutely delighted with it, the way the deal has panned out. When you consider the deal, Raheem, the family doesn’t have to move, he’s got a point to prove, he knows the manager, ain’t got a problem with rotation playing, experience, winner," said Wright.
He continued:
“That is a magnificent deal for us, a really good signing for us and for him at 29. Chelsea are paying the majority of the wages. It’s almost like it can’t get any better."
He concluded:
“The only way it’s going to get any better is when he scores the winner against Tottenham. That’s when you think to yourself: 'That is it! It’s meant to be!'. You know when you see a player in your shirt, he suits our shirt. He suits our shirt.”
Sterling registered 10 goals and eight assists from 43 games for the Blues last season.