The January transfer window is already more than a week old and Arsenal are yet to sign.
The Gunners have seen a player return from loan and made a sale, but are yet to agree a deal that will impact Mikel Arteta's first-team squad. The north London side are currently chasing Liverpool in the Premier League and must overcome Bukayo Saka's injury.
Arteta has admitted that Arsenal will look at opportunities that arise in the coming weeks, but January is a notoriously difficult month to get a fair deal. The Premier League number two cannot afford a misstep if they hope to win the title in May.
That said, Mirror Football takes a look at the latest news and transfer rumors in the Emirates.
Mikel Arteta identifies the target
Mikel Arteta wants to sign Nico Williams this month according to Athletic, but may have to wait until the summer. The Gunners, alongside Chelsea and Liverpool, are among the suitors for the Spain international and the Arsenal boss is said to be keen to expand his options in January.
However, the finances involved make a deal less likely as Williams is not desperate to leave Athletic Bilbao. The winger's release clause is around €60 million, and would move with inflation.
The compensation would be fully required and Williams earns a significant salary. Further reports suggest the player is now open to a move to the Premier League after preferring Barcelona in the summer.
Second bid success
Arsenal could be successful if they make a second bid for Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia. Shortly after the transfer window closed, sporting director Fran Garagarza indicated that the club could part ways with the shot-stopper in the future, having already rejected an offer from the Gunners.
Reports from Spain claim that the 23-year-old is still of interest to North London, according to Sport Witness. Arsenal saw a €20 million bid rejected and was reminded of his €30 million release clause.
Espanyol are now said to have identified García as a player who could see them raking in some money. As a result, it is suggested that Arsenal's summer offer could be more tempting if presented again.
Arsenal obstacle
Paris Saint-Germain's asking price for Lee Kang-in could prove a stumbling block if Arsenal were to pursue their interest, according to reports.
The Gunners are said to have discussed Lee as a possible signing in the winter window, but a transfer fee of €44 million is considered prohibitive. The North London side are said to be considering completing a loan deal with an option to buy the midfielder if the Paris side were open to such an offer.
Lee joined Ligue 1 from Spanish side Mallorca in July 2023 for €22m and is now said to be 'considering his options', despite playing in all of his side's Ligue 1 and Champions League matches in 2024/2025.
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