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Arsenal make £50m call on Nico Williams transfer alternative amid private Bukayo Saka message

Bukayo Saka celebrates after scoring for Arsenal
-Credit: (Image: (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images))


Mikel Arteta will have seen the majority of his Arsenal squad depart north London after the win against Southampton. Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard and Mikel Merino are just a few names set to represent their country's over the October international break which will see Arteta work with a smaller group at London Colney over the coming days.

The Gunners head into the break without a defeat this season and off the back of four consecutive wins with 14 goals scored. Kai Havertz has been in fine form but he will not play for Germany in Nations League action because of a minor knee injury.

Bukayo Saka has also stepped up to the plate in the absence of Martin Odegaard as he was involved in all three goals against the Saints. With a two-week pause underway, Arteta and sporting director Edu may take some time to look at plans for the January transfer window.

Athletic Club star Nico Williams seemingly ruled out a move recently, though an alternative shining at Aston Villa has emerged as a target for the Gunners. With that said, football.london takes a look at the latest Arsenal headlines with some big stories coming to light.

Arsenal and Tottenham in Ramsey battle

Aston Villa could look to cash in on Jacob Ramsey in 2025 with Arsenal and Tottenham among the clubs interested in the attacking midfielder, according to Mail Plus.

Ramsey has impressed since the arrival of Unai Emery with the 23-year-old having started the last five games prior to injury striking in the victory over Bayern Munich. Muscular problems have plagued Ramsey in recent years which could explain Villa's reasons for wanting to move him on with £50million said to be the asking price.

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football.london says: "Ramsey ticks a lot of boxes for Arteta with age on his side alongside his ability to play in every position across the frontline.

"Talk of Arsenal's next big signing being a versatile forward has ramped up as of late and Ramsey could be that man. Persuading the likes of Williams, Jamal Musiala or Florian Wirtz to join could be a significant challenge and thus it is absolutely worth considering alternatives.

"Tottenham have held a long-standing interest in the winger, however Arsenal will certainly back themselves to win that transfer battle given their current position."

Saka private message

Bukayo Saka is undoubtedly stepping into a leadership role at Arsenal having captained the side on more than one occasions in recent weeks. Following the win over Southampton, Saka hosted a belated 23rd birthday party at his favourite restaurant Stork in Mayfair, as per the Mail.

Hosting duties involved delivering a speech with Saka said to have made an emphatic Premier League title statement. He began: “I am going to start with my team, I spend every day with you guys, sometimes too much time, but honestly, I love you all. This year, I really believe we’re going to win the league.”

football.london says: "This is exactly the sort of message Arteta will want his players believing. The answer in front of the cameras is often vague but an actual belief in what is being built is key to getting the job done.

"Saka saying all of this in a somewhat private setting shows exactly what Arteta has done over the last few years to instil a true belief in his players. Ever since his emergence into the senior team, Saka has been a key player and it certainly looks as though his responsibilities are only increasing.

"In just one Premier League game has Saka failed to contribute with the 23-year-old crucial in Arsenal's latest comeback victory."