Mikel Arteta has now expressed his preferred offensive signing to Arsenal's recruitment team as summer plans begin to heat up.

If reports are to be believed, Arsenal are on the verge of concluding a deal for Italian centre-back Riccardo Calafiori.

Arteta intends to use Calafiori as an inverted full-back at Arsenal next season, someone who will dovetail with Jurrien Timber as he returns to fitness.

And in that regard it seems as if Edu has almost ticked off one of Arteta's three requests this summer.

Alongside a left-footed defender, Arteta was also believed to want the club to add a new central midfield - preferably a number six, and a new forward signing.

Early in the window it seemed as if that offensive recruit would be Benjamin Sesko, a typical number nine.

However, having failed to conclude a deal for Sesko, it now seems more likely that Arsenal will chase a winger, someone who can start on the left and compete with Bukayo Saka on the right.

Mikel Arteta has decided he wants Spain star Nico Williams at Arsenal To that end, The Athletic have just shared that Arteta's preferred wide player would be Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams.

The 21-year-old has excelled at Euro 2024 and is set to face William Saliba in Tuesday's semi-final.

Similarly, Williams has arguably even surpassed Saka with his performances on the wing in Germany, an incredibly exciting talent.

The 'electric' Spaniard is thought to be available for around PS50m this summer, a reasonable price for such a talent.

However, William's wages could be a big concern at Arsenal, who would immediately become one of Arteta's highest earners were his current wage replicated in north London.

But a club with Arsenal's ambition shouldn't be put off by that aspect of any deal, given Williams could propel Arteta's project to silverware.

It's not an exaggeration to say that Williams is every bit as exciting as Saka and Gabriel Martinelli right now, a rare player of that echelon.

Arsenal would do well to beat Barcelona to the signing, who are reportedly very interested as well.

But that shouldn't deter any attempts from the club, who need to demonstrate similar energy to Manchester City in the transfer market.