Major Nico Williams to Arsenal transfer twist as Mikel Arteta enters 'January talks'

Mikel Arteta has issued a huge Arsenal January transfer window verdict with his squad still plagued by injuries. Defensive absentees have been a regular occurrence for the Gunners this season with Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Gabriel Magalhaes and Riccardo Calafiori among those currently out.

Given the main problems are all in one specific area, Arteta was asked about the possibility of recruiting in January with his answer certainly a telling one. “The window gives us an opportunity to strengthen the team if we feel that is needed and we feel that we have the capacity to do that as well,” he said.

“We are on it and just have to assess the situation because it is changing every week. At the moment not for the better, but I’m positive that in a few weeks we’re going to be in a better place.” Further up the pitch, Nico Williams of Athletic Bilbao is still of interest to Arsenal with a potentially major twist on his immediate future emerging.

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Signing players for the long-term could also be made in the winter window with the Gunners and Manchester United said to be interested in signing a Paraguayan wonderkid. With that being said, football.london has taken a look at the latest Arsenal transfer news and rumours with the January trading period opening in just a few weeks.

Major Williams update

With it recently having been reported that Williams does not want to depart Spain in January, the chances of that scenario playing out may have increased significantly.

The 22-year-old started Bilbao's Europa League clash away at Fenerbahce on Wednesday afternoon but was replaced after just 38 minutes because of injury. A club statement was released in the wake of his early departure with the issue described as a "severe contusion on his right leg".

football.london says: "This issue is unlikely to keep Williams out of action for a significant period, but it could still impact January plans. Though it seems not to be a serious issue, there is no absolute guarantee of when a return for Williams would arrive, especially given the fact he was clearly not comfortable enough to continue.

"Though the chances were already slim, a possible move to Arsenal next month now seems completely off with the Gunners highly unlikely to sign a player that is unable to make an immediate impact. Arteta is also well-stocked in the attacking department for the time being.

"If any position is in need of further depth, it is certainly at the back with Jakub Kiwior the only senior defender not to have been unavailable for a game this season because of injury or suspension."

Arteta 'January talks'

Arsenal are one of four Premier League clubs to have been credited with a January transfer window interest in Diego Leon, who mostly plays as a left-back for Paraguayan club Cerro Porteno. TBR Football claim that the Gunners, Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham are all interested.

It has also been noted that all four clubs have entered talks ahead of January with Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig having also made enquiries.

football.london says: "For so many top European clubs to be showing an interest, it seems clear that Leon is a very talented footballer.

"While he does play in the position Arsenal likely need depth, it is highly unlikely he would be thrown straight into the senior team if Arsenal make an official approach in January. A loan move or spell as part of the Under-21s seems much more likely with Arteta cautious over immediately exposing younger players to first-team football.

"With that being said, making big additions in January is quite difficult and therefore the 17-year-old could be a player for the short-term and long-term."