---
title: "Sunderland take the lead in the race for Arsenal target"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/sunderland-take-the-lead-in-the-race-for-arsenal-target/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Dan Prescott"
section: "Arsenal Football Club"
published: "2014-06-07T20:00:43Z"
modified: "2014-06-07T20:00:43Z"
---

# Sunderland take the lead in the race for Arsenal target

[![Ashley Williams](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/ashley-williams-620-401122091-3007350-500x332.jpg)](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/ashley-williams-620-401122091-3007350.jpg)We don’t get many Sunderland fans in the Football Transfer Tavern but when we do they’re loud and very, very proud – especially on the karaoke machine.

And they may soon be putting on a song and a dance as according to the [Daily Star](https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/382628/Sunderland-offer-4m-for-Arsenal-target-Ashley-Williams), Sunderland boss Gus Poyet wants to bring Swansea City’s Ashley Williams to the club.

It’s understood that the former Brighton & Hove Albion manager has launched a bid in the region of £4 million for the 29-year-old Welsh international.

Williams is yet to sign a new deal at the Liberty Stadium and it’s prompted a flurry of interest from many clubs including Arsenal.

But it now seems that Sunderland are the first team to make a firm offer for the former Stockport County defender who can leave for free next summer should the Swans block a deal.

The Black Cats are looking at a number of potential targets this summer as they look to avoid yet another Premier League relegation fight.

### **Sunderland fans. Ashley Williams would certainly be a great start when it comes to improving your squad. But who else needs to come in? Let us know your thought below.**

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