Raphinha and Nico Williams were two of the names that popped up as Arsenal looked for attacking options this summer.
However a move failed to materialize for either player. Williams has been slow to start this season for Athletic Club, while Raphinha has arguably been one of the best players in Europe this season for FC Barcelona.
This season, Mikel Arteta has had to rely on Leandro Trossard and Raheem Sterling as depth behind Saka and Martinelli.
The Gunners boss settled on bringing Sterling in on loan from Chelsea because he had previously worked with him at Manchester City. The decision to join Arsenal was settled less than a minute into one phone call:
“It’s very simple. I spoke to Edu and he told me about the possibility, that it was real and that it could happen,” Arteta said.
“He asked me what my thoughts were and obviously I was already extremely positive, but I had a question and I thought it would be resolved in the first 15 to 20 seconds of my conversation on the phone with Raheem.
“It got resolved a little earlier than that because I took the phone and he said he was dreaming of this call. That was it.
“We discussed a few other things but when I see a player that is genuinely willing to come to the club, prove a point and be part of something that he has seen from the outside that is motivating and inspiring him, I said he needs to be here.”
Nico Williams is fully focused on Athletic Club this season
The Spanish forward who was key to his country’s EURO 2024 win, decided to stay at his hometown club this season. He signed a new contract and was even given the number 10 jersey.
Williams, who was speaking to El Mundo, maintains that his aim this season is to win trophies with Athletic Club:
“I’m not thinking about that right now,”
“The [Athletic] fans are very happy that I’m staying here and I’m very happy to be here.
“Bilbao is my home, I want to continue enjoying it and the truth is that I’m very happy. I’ve always had things very clear and I think people see that.
“I think I’m doing really well and trying to take Athletic to the top in Spain and in Europe, with that [Europa League] final in San Mames that excites us so much. That’s the only thing that matters now.”
The Gunners were linked to the 22-year old for a large part of this summer after Williams provided 11 assists and scored 5 goals in La Liga last year.
“In the end, you have to live with it (transfer talk). Football works like this, with many interests from clubs, the media, the players… and there is always noise.”
Arsenal and a whole host of Europe’s biggest clubs are expected to be back in the market for Williams after this season.
