Arsenal have altered their January plans and become more open to pursuing a wide forward in the winter window after previously preferring to wait until the summer. The Gunners defeated Brentford 3-1 in the Premier League on Wednesday evening and closed the gap to leaders Liverpool to six points, though they have played a game more than the Reds. However, while boss Mikel Arteta will no doubt be relieved that his side started 2025 in winning fashion, the victory does not erase concerns that his team could suffer without star forward Bukayo Saka , who is set to be out for months after undergoing hamstring surgery.
Arsenal started Ethan Nwaneri on the right side of attack against Brentford, and though the 17-year-old looked promising, it is hard to see how the teenager can make up for the loss of Saka. The Daily Mail report that the Gunners are actively looking to sign a wide forward this month and are willing to bring forward their summer plans should an opportunity arise. Replacing the injured Saka is easier said than done, especially considering the attacker is capable of both creating goals and finding the back of the net himself.
Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams has long been admired by those at the Emirates, and the 22-year-old's release clause of £50m is within an affordable price range. Williams has only scored one goal in La Liga this term and has primarily operated on the left side of attack, while Saka is Arsenal's main threat on the right of the Gunners' forward.
