BREAKING NEWS: Coming live from Fabrizio Romano, Gunners retain Nico Williams interest, as Arsenal wants Spanish star next summer. According to reports, the Gunners remain in the race to sign Nico Williams. As per reports, Edu has claimed that he will be Arsenal’s main priority next summer. He said “we wanted to sign him this summer but his current club were not ready to lose him after a wonderful spell last season. But something is cooking, I don’t want to reveal much but he’s our main target for next summer”. 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. He is our main focus next summer. We want him.

Arsenal have strengthened their squad over the summer in a bid to win the Premier League title this season. Manager Mikel Arteta brought in Riccardo Calafiori, Mikel Merino, and Raheem Sterling, with David Raya also joining permanently after a successful loan spell.

Additionally, Arsenal remain in the hunt to sign Nico Williams, while they had their eyes on a Brazilian striker during the transfer window. Let’s take a look at the key Arsenal transfer news from September 5, 2024.

**Arsenal still interested in Nico Williams**

According to FOOTBALLWAVE, Arsenal are maintaining their interest in Nico Williams. The 22-year-old forward was linked with a move to the Gunners this summer, but a deal couldn’t be finalized. Williams attracted a lot of attention but ultimately decided to stay with Athletic Bilbao for another year.

In the meantime, Arsenal signed Raheem Sterling on a season-long loan from Chelsea to bolster their attack. However, the 29-year-old Sterling is considered a short-term solution, and Arsenal are expected to pursue younger talent in the next transfer window. Williams was reportedly their top attacking target this summer, and he is believed to be open to a future move to the Emirates. Arsenal, though, could face competition from Barcelona for his signature.

**Arsenal were interested in Marcos Leonardo this summer**

Arsenal showed interest in Brazilian striker Marcos Leonardo, according to TBR Football. However, they were priced out of a move for the 21-year-old. The Gunners were in the market for a new No. 9 and had their sights set on Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig. However, the Slovenian striker decided to remain at the German club, leaving Arsenal without their desired target.

Arsenal were linked with several other players during the transfer window but ended up not signing any before the deadline. It has now emerged that they were also monitoring Marcos Leonardo, who had been impressing at Benfica. A few months ago, Arsenal reportedly made a £25.5 million offer for Leonardo, but Benfica rejected it.

Arsenal returned with interest in the player this summer and remained in talks with his representatives, despite competition from Saudi club Al-Hilal. Ultimately, when Al-Hilal offered £33.7 million, Arsenal decided to drop out of the race. Marcos Leonardo went on to join the Saudi club.

**Ian Wright backs Raheem Sterling to shine at Arsenal**

Arsenal legend Ian Wright believes Raheem Sterling is a great fit for the club. The England international joined the Gunners on a last-minute loan deal from Chelsea. Arsenal were looking for additional firepower in their attack and made a late move for Sterling. The forward was also linked with Manchester United but opted to join Arsenal.

Speaking on his podcast *Wrighty’s House*, Wright praised the deal as a win-win for both Sterling and Arsenal.

“I’m absolutely thrilled with it, the way the deal has played out. When you think about it, Raheem doesn’t have to move his family, he has something to prove, he knows the manager, and he’s got no problem with rotation. He’s experienced, a winner, and it’s a fantastic deal for us,” Wright said.

He added, “At 29, Chelsea are covering most of his wages, so it’s hard to imagine a better situation. The only way it could get better is if he scores the winner against Tottenham. That would make it feel like it was meant to be. He looks perfect in our shirt.”

Sterling contributed 10 goals and eight assists in 43 appearances for Chelsea last season and will be hoping to make a big impact at Arsenal.