David Ornstein reveals Mikel Arteta's real top target 'by a mile' amid Arsenal's interest in Raheem Sterling

David Ornstein has revealed which player was Mikel Arteta's top target at Arsenal 'by a mile' before the end of the transfer window.

The Gunners are yet to add to their squad on deadline day despite links with a move for Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling.

The England international has been exiled from Enzo Maresca's first team squad at Stamford Bridge, necessitating the need for a move if he wants to play competitive football between now and January.

Sterling has also been linked with moves to Juventus and Crystal Palace, but Arsenal has appeared to be his most likely option on deadline day.

In his Friday press conference, manager Mikel Arteta refused to deny that the club were interested in Sterling - but did not state there was any interest either.

However, Ornstein has named who Arteta's main transfer target was not Sterling, but rather he wanted to sign Athletic Bilbao and Spain winger Nico Williams.

He told Sky Sports on Friday: "We know they love Nico Williams of Athletic Bilbao. He would be Mikel Arteta's top choice, I think, by a mile if they were going to recruit a wide player.

"But he's already on a massive contract. It would need to be an even bigger contract if he joins another club. There's a release clause that needs to be paid in full.

"He seems very happy where he is at the moment. If he was to leave, it seems like Barcelona is his first choice.

"He would be Mikel Arteta's top choice by a mile if they were to recruit a wide player" 👀

David Ornstein explains why Arsenal would want a winger like Nico Williams 🔍 pic.twitter.com/rfhyW6r0IV

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 30, 2024

"It's not PlayStation or Football Manager, where you can just pick someone up and choose who it is, and off we go.

"If the market closes with Arsenal sticking with what they've got, I think they'll be perfectly happy with that.

"I think they'll be competitive for major honours again this season. If they manage to add before the deadline, then I'm sure that the Emirates faithful would be very excited."