The reality that Arsenal will not be signing a striker on the final day of the winter transfer window is one that supporters are rightfully finding frustrating. While there are certainly good arguments why one has not arrived, equally, not bringing one in regardless could prove very damaging for the club's hopes in the title race, Carabao Cup and UEFA Champions League.

Arsenal did indeed make a move for a top striker when they proposed a £40million plus add-ons move for Ollie Watkins, football.london understands. However, they have not returned with another offer. Naturally, it had led to many supporters calling on the club to sign x, y, z players, naming names left, right and centre.

One such name many know is of interest to the club and questioning why he was not signed is Nico Williams. The Athletic Club forward was a key target last summer having won the European Championships but instead opted to remain with his hometown club.

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He signed a new contract and this subsequently upped the buyout clause in his contract to closer to €58million (£48million), which would have to be paid in full and is what Athletic would demand. Further to that are the player’s own demands, which are understood to be high enough to make him Arsenal’s best-paid player were he to sign.

In 19 La Liga matches for a side sitting fourth in the table so far, Williams has scored just one goal. Creatively, the story does not get dramatically better with just three assists recorded so far this league campaign.

It would be a massive financial commitment on Williams and the player has not been likely to leave all winter. Athletic are in the Europa League, finishing second in the table above Manchester United and Tottenham, straight through to the last-16 and therefore could reach the final – an occasion which is being held at Athletic’s own San Mames stadium.

The idea of Williams leaving halfway through the season has never been a realistic opportunity due to these external factors. However, internationally there are further explanations too.

Ethan Nwaneri has become a key figure in the team, scoring in the 5-1 demolition of Manchester City at the weekend. Bukayo Saka is expected to return next month at the earliest, while both Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard remain the left-sided options with Raheem Sterling also present.

The target has been a centre-forward and not a wide player, especially as a result of the aforementioned rise of Nwaneri. A striker will continue to be the priority in the summer as well.