ashley williams and cazorla

Arsenal may be forced to end their pursuit of Ashley Williams unless they improve their approach for the player.

Despite claims by tabloids at the end of last month that the Gunners were on the verge of agreeing terms for the transfer of the player, Swansea  City’s centre back is now set to remain with the Welsh club after a breakdown in negotiations to sell him.

Williams’ representatives were reportedly contacted by Arsenal recently for the first time since the Gunners last failed in their attempt to lure the defender to London during the January transfer window.

But even though the 28-year-old has made it clear that he would prefer a switch to the Emirates stadium, Swansea City football club have now declined an £8.3 million proposal from Arsenal.

The Swans have also made it clear that they will only consider a bid above £10 million while manager Michael Laudrup has reiterated that Ashley Williams is happy at the club.

Speaking before his summer holidays recently, Williams was coy over his own future.

“I play my football for Swansea City and now I’m just going away and looking forward to a holiday,” Williams said

“I’ve said before, I’ll take it (Arsenal rumours) as a compliment, it means you’re doing your job well. I’ve done that this time, I haven’t looked too far into it.”

Arsenal will now have to plot a better bid for the defender if he is ever to be given up by Swansea, but the Gunners may not be the front-runners to secure the services of Williams anymore after new Everton manager Roberto Martinez was linked with a move for Williams, whom he signed from Stockport five years ago when he was in charge of the Welsh side.

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