‘Arsenal dealt transfer blow as Real Madrid join hunt for top target’
Arsenal’s transfer plans have taken a hit, after it was revealed that Real Madrid are interested in one of the names on the Gunners’ shortlist.
Mikel Arteta’s side are looking to strengthen over the summer, after finishing second in the Premier League for the third campaign on the spin.
Liverpool won the title with five games to spare, and the North London side were unable to keep pace with the Merseyside club over the course of a full season.
Arsenal also exited the Champions League at the hands of PSG, as the French side beat them 3-1 on aggregate in the last four of the competition.
Real Madrid join Arsenal in race for attacker
Over the course of the campaign it has become evident that the Gunners are crying out for some more attacking depth.
The North London side have struggled with injuries in forward positions, and paid the price by dropping out of the title race and being knocked out of the Champions League.
It has been rumoured that Arsenal are interested in bringing Nico Williams to the Emirates, as one of their marquee summer signings.
| Games | Goals | Assist | Yellow Cards |
| 28 | 5 | 5 | 1 |
However, the move could now be in doubt after Spanish outlet Marca (20 May) revealed that Real Madrid are also in the race for the 22-year-old.
The Athletic Bilbao winger’s release clause is reportedly €58million, and Madrid are seriously considering Williams as an option for next season.
Real Madrid still have ultimate pull
Football Insider Verdict
Unfortunately for Arsenal, Real Madrid have proved in recent months that they still have the ultimate pulling power in world football.
Los Blancos are effectively able to buy whoever they like, regardless of which other teams in Europe are fighting for the signature.
This fact was proven by Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure from Liverpool, with the full-back running down his contract at his boyhood club to ensure he could make the move to Madrid.
Florentino Pérez has made a number of other huge signings over the past couple of seasons, bringing in Kylian Mbappe from PSG, as well as Jude Bellingham from Dortmund.
Arteta’s side are in further danger from Los Blancos as well, with Real Madrid interested in William Saliba.
The Spanish club are trying to take advantage of the defender’s current situation, with his contract expiring in 2027.