Arsenal send scouts to Germany to watch 'very tidy' Nico Williams alternative who supports Bolton

Arsenal are said to be keeping an eye on a Nico Williams alternative as they consider strengthening their flanks. The Gunners have been left short out wide after Bukayo Saka suffered a hamstring injury that is likely to keep him out for at least two months.

The Gunners do still have Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli as their main options out wide, but neither have set the world alight this season. Meanwhile, Gabriel Jesus can also play there, although it is not his best position, and that is also true of the injured Ethan Nwaneri, while loanee Raheem Sterling has struggled to gain the trust of his temporary boss so far this season.

A number of wingers have been linked, with Arsenal open to springing into action this month if the right transfer opportunity presents itself, but they could also do with a proven goalscorer up top. A winger signing is not out of the question, though, even if preferred target Nico Williams is not a realistic one this month.

Williams has already told Athletic Club he will stay for the reason, and his £49million release clause must be paid in full, which is a nightmare scenario for any club that needs to keep an eye on Profit and Sustainability margins, as Arsenal do.

One possible alternative, according to former Premier League scout Mick Brown, is Bayern Munich winger Kinglsey Coman, who has regularly been linked with the Gunners in the past. It’s claimed Arsenal are again looking at Coman as a possible options, sending scouts to watch his performances.

Brown told Football Insider: “Kingsley Coman has always been a very tidy player,” he told Football Insider. I must admit I’ve not watched him in a while, but if he’s anything like the player he used to be, it doesn’t surprise me to hear Arsenal have been looking at him. I’m told they’ve had scouts in Germany keeping tabs on him and they’ll know what his level is.”

It’s unclear whether Arsenal would be pursuing a permanent or loan deal, and indeed what Bayern would be up for agreeing. Coman has made 20 appearances across all competitions this season, and he is under contract until 2027.

Coman a Bolton fan

As random as it may seem, Coman has previously said that his English team is Bolton. Asked about the interest in Wanderers by Rio Ferdinand, the winger explained: "Well, during that interview, I was asked which English team I support.

“It was summer, so I knew any name I mentioned could lead to speculation come transfer time. I liked Bolton because of Jay-Jay Okocha. He was the only player I really knew from the team, and he was my favourite after Ronaldinho."