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Transfers
£50m Arsenal target angered by what Barcelona president just said about him
A player Mikel Arteta would like to sign for Arsenal this summer has now been angered by comments made by Barcelona president Joan Laporta.
Arsenal appear to be willing to dip their toes into the Spanish market this summer, a league that Arteta will know well.
The club’s last signing from La Liga was the deal to bring Martin Odegaard to north London permanently in 2021.
Arsenal’s move now looks like an absolute steal – a player who will continue to captain the club for years to come.
This summer, the Gunners are said to be interested in two Spanish players who have been excelling for their country at Euro 2024.
Midfielder Mikel Merino and winger Nico Williams are both thought to be on Arsenal’s shortlist.
Arteta has decided that Williams is his preferred attacking signing this summer, should Arsenal’s window head in that direction.
Although, Arsenal will face competition from Barcelona if they attempt to sign the £50m-rated winger, who has been exceptional in Germany.
Arsenal target Nico Williams annoyed that Barcelona president discussed his future
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has been very public about the club’s desire to sign Williams recently – comments that have angered the Spaniard.
Williams doesn’t want to discuss his club future during the Euros, given he’s solely focused on the tournament.
Via , Laporta said: “At the moment, we can afford to sign Nico Williams financially speaking.
“I like Nico Williams a lot. We have to let Deco work to try to close the deal. I hope they give us good news.
“Obviously I like him a lot. But here we have to let those who have the responsibility work, and Deco is working to make the signings that he and Flick have discussed, and I hope to have good news.”
Williams replied to those comments via his entourage in Germany saying: “I don’t like people talking about this now when I’m focused on winning the Euros.”
READ MORE: Gareth Southgate makes claim about Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka after England beat Netherlands at Euro 2024
Of course, this may encourage Arsenal to believe that they can edge ahead of Barcelona should they pursue a deal after Sunday’s final.
Arsenal will no doubt be a lot more subtle in their approach – something that could win over Williams.
The 21-year-old would be an exceptional signing for Arteta and his team, who would be recruiting rare talent with a similar ceiling to Bukayo Saka – a bold but well-evidenced statement.
All that being said, it appears that Arteta has finally found his Xhaka replacement for Arsenal.