Arsenal are reportedly ready to spend as much as €58 million (R1.1 billion) to buy a replacement for Bukayo Saka while he recovers from a long-term injury.
During the Gunners' gruelling festive fixtures, Mikel Arteta saw his talisman suffer a serious hamstring injury. The knock was sustained during the north Londoners' emphatic 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace in the league, with the Englishman set to be sidelined for three months.
This leaves the English juggernauts without one of their key players in an area of the squad where they already lack depth. To address this situation, it seems that the Premier League outfit are keen to be proactive in the transfer window.
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The club have been long-time admirers of Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams, and according to FootballTransfers.com, they are ready to trigger his release clause.
The 22-year-old has been pivotal to the success of the Basque club and his national team, helping his boyhood side win their first Copa del Rey in 40 years last season and aiding La Roja in securing a record-extending fourth UEFA European Championship title.
During the international tournament, Williams was heavily linked with a move to Barcelona, but in recent weeks it has been suggested that the pacey winger is more open to a move to the Premier League.
The same report claims that Arsenal are now waiting for the player to give the green light for a move, but it remains to be seen how receptive he might be to making a switch midway through the season.