Mikel Arteta immediately identifies the £48m January signing he needs to revive Arsenal's title challenge after Fulham setback

Mikel Arteta has reportedly identified his first January signing after Arsenal's 1-1 draw to Fulham.

William Saliba equalised for Arsenal in the early stages of the second half at Craven Cottage after Raul Jimenez's 11th-minute goal put Fulham ahead.

The Gunners thought they had won the game late on through Bukayo Saka, but replays showed that Gabriel Martinelli was offside in the build-up and VAR ruled the goal out.

The result leaves Arsenal in third place in the Premier League table. They are six points behind leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand after their Merseyside derby clash against Everton was postponed on Saturday.

At the same stage last season, the Gunners had 36 points after 15 games compared to their 29 this term, indicating that there has been a significant slide in recent weeks.

Arteta wants to rectify that by sealing a new signing in attacking areas, with the transfer window opening on New Year's Day.

That's according to Arsenal journalist Charles Watts, who claims that the Gunners are exploring a move for Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams as Arteta feels they are light in his particular area of the pitch.

Saka and Martinelli have been key players for Arsenal in recent seasons, while Leandro Trossard and Raheem Sterling are capable of playing out wide, but the Gunners don't have genuine competition for either player that is contracted to the club on a permanent basis.

Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams pictured (Image: Getty)

Williams reportedly has a release clause of £48 million, and some Arsenal players would have witnessed his talents first-ahdn during Spain's Euro 2024 final victory over England.

Those displays in the summer earned him a nomination for the 2024 Ballon d'Or award.

The 22-year-old placed in 15th position, receiving 73 votes and finishing ahead of Arsenal stars Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, Saliba and Saka in the final rankings.