Arsenal may have finally found their Wilfried Zaha transfer alternative amid £49m release clause

Arsenal were one of the Premier League clubs reportedly keen on a move for Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha during the summer of the 2023. The Ivorian international was one of the most sought after talents in the top flight, having left the Eagles on a free transfer, turning down an extension at Selhurst Park.

However, despite being linked with the Gunners and Chelsea, Zaha would make the move to Turkey, signing for Super Lig side Galatasaray. Injuries have plagued the Gunners' recent campaign with desperate need for additions in the final third.

When fit, Bukayo Saka is the first name on the teamsheet having impressed for Arsenal out on the right, but the left-hand side of the attack has not quite been at the same level.

Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard aren't consistent enough in the final third, with the Gunners still searching for the answer out on that flank. When Arsenal were linked with a move for Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams last summer, it appeared as if they'd found their answer.

Mikel Arteta's side are yet to make a move on the young Spanish star, but there are similarities between the 22-year-old and Zaha himself. So much so, the youngster has admitted in an interview that he modelled parts of his game on the former Eagles talisman.

"Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo. I loved that type of attacker. And Wilfried Zaha, who I’ve not named yet," Williams told France Football. "I loved him when he was at Crystal Palace. He was a player I loved. I cut my hair to look like him.

"I tried to dribble like them, copy them to the maximum and to move like them. To do 5 per cent of what they’ve done…"

Arsenal may not have made a move for Zaha as he approached the latter stages of his career, now on loan with Charlotte FC in the MLS, but Williams could be the perfect solution to their lack of output on the left-hand side of the pitch.

The youngster's contract expires at Bilbao in the summer of 2027 with Barcelona, Chelsea and Arsenal all reportedly keen on a transfer this summer. Williams was one of the standout performers for Spain in their EURO2024 triumph last summer and could be a shrewd additions for Arteta's side ahead of next season.

With a reported release clause of £49m in his contract, it's a transfer Arsenal should seriously consider.

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