FEE AGREED: Arsenal agree a huge transfer fee to complete first summer transfer signing signing as attacker set to pen five-years deal

Arsenal have opened talks with a Bayern Munich star to add dynamism in attack.

The Gunners finished second in the Premier League for the third season in a row last term, reaching the final four in the Champions League to boot, and now, manager Mikel Arteta is looking to take the club to the next level and win major honours.

With Arsenal lacking a proven goalscorer, the attack may be the priority this summer, with big names linked with North London.

Arsenal have opened talks with a major target

While Kai Havertz has ben criticised at times this season the German still top-scored for the Gunners across all competitions with 15 goals – despite missing a huge chunk of that through injury.

By a lot of accounts, Mikel Arteta was determined for Arsenal to sign Nico Williams this summer.

Since arriving at Arsenal, new sporting director Andrea Berta identified the need to sign a new elite left winger, a right footed talent who can elevate the club’s front three.

For a long time, Nico Williams has been Arteta’s number one target, a player he seemingly dreams about bringing to the Emirates Stadium.

Of course, Arsenal have always faced competition from the likes of Barcelona to sign Nico Williams, who many believe would be his first choice destination.

However, with Barcelona reportedly stepping away from a deal for Williams this summer, Arsenal might still be left frustrated regardless.

Anthony Gordon should be Arsenal’s Nico Williams alternative

It’s now been reported that Williams could sign a new contract with Athletic Club — a twist that Arsenal fans may not have seen coming.

In terms of signing the Spain international, the biggest hurdle was thought to be Williams’ huge wages, ones which rival Arsenal’s highest earners.

However, it seems as if convincing Williams to leave his boyhood club altogether might prove to be an impossible task.

In fact, it might be time for Arteta and Berta to turn their attention elsewhere.

And with that in mind, a move for Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon should be on the agenda.

Arsenal are still interested in Gordon, even if the winger might be hard to prise away from St James’ Park.

But when it comes to finding an explosive attacking option on the left, there are very few who could guarantee an impact at the Emirates like Gordon.

Anthony Gordon should be affordable for Arsenal

Williams has a £48m release clause this summer, and it would cost a lot more to sign Gordon at least in terms of the transfer fee.

Newcastle value Gordon at around £75m right now, a player who Liverpool have shown interest in themselves.

But when you consider that it might cost a similar fee to sign Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund, Gordon presents better value.

And in terms of Gordon’s record against Arsenal, it’s a pretty glowing reference point for Arteta.

In nine games against the Gunners, Gordon has won five times and scored three goals — the level of player Arsenal should be looking for.

So whilst a move for Williams might be off the table for Arsenal, Gordon should be a player at the top of their shortlist.