Once Andrea Berta signs Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi, the Arsenal sporting director should do whatever it takes to bring Nico Williams to the Emirates Stadium.
The 22-year-old winger has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League for a while now as he continues to impress for Athletic Club. Williams, who sees his contract at the San Mamés Stadium expire in June 2027, has featured 28 times in La Liga this season, scoring five goals and providing five assists.
The Spain international has also helped the Basque outfit reach the semi-finals of the Europa League before crashing out to Manchester United. With Mikel Arteta eager to strengthen his frontline this summer, Williams has emerged as a target.
In fact, football.london understands that the Gunners hold a long-term interest in the winger. It's claimed that the Arsenal head coach is a big fan of his fellow countryman, who caught his eye well before bursting onto the scene at the Euros in the summer.
Nico Williams of Athletic Club disappointed
Nico Williams of Athletic Club has been on Arsenal's radar ahead of the summer transfer window (Image: Cesar Ortiz Gonzalez/Soccrates/Getty Images)
If Berta managed to secure Williams' signature, Arteta would finally be able to take some weight off the shoulders of Bukayo Saka. The 23-year-old winger had to do a lot of heavy lifting for the north Londoners before he suffered a nasty hamstring injury in December.
In the three months or so that Saka was on the sidelines, Arsenal really struggled, falling out of the Premier League title race. The Gunners often seemed to run out of ideas, but with another maverick in the armoury, there wouldn't be as much pressure or reliance on the Hale End graduate.
That said, Williams wouldn't replace or deputise Saka. The duo would coexist, with the former on the left and the latter on the right. Together, they could form one of the most dangerous frontlines in Europe.
Nico Williams of Athletic Club looks on during the LaLiga match between Athletic Club and RCD Mallorca at Estadio de San Mames on March 09, 2025
Nico Williams during Athletic Bilbao's clash against RCD Mallorca (Image: Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
But, before we get too carried away, Arsenal need to somehow lure Williams from his boyhood club. In an interview with Spanish outlet Sport last month, the Athletic Club star provided an update on his future.
Ahead of the UEFA Europa League semi-final against United, he said: "The dream is to lift the trophy at San Mamés. I have the opportunity to make history at this club. The dream never ends.
"I’m 100 per cent focused on tomorrow, on reaching the final and winning it. I don’t want to look any further. I’m super happy here and… well. I’ve always wanted to feel important here. This is a 10/10 season for me."
Arsenal are said to have made preliminary contact with Nico Williams' representatives
Arsenal are said to have made preliminary contact with Nico Williams' representatives (Image: Getty)
Unfortunately for Williams, Ruben Amorim's side waltzed away victorious and will play Tottenham Hotspur in the final at the San Mamés Stadium later this month. In March, the the £59million-rated speedster explained why he decided to stay in Bilbao.
Speaking in French outlet L'Equipe, Williams said: "This relationship we have at the heart of the club is incredible. Everyone respects everyone else - which is incredible.
"This atmosphere, I'll never have it anywhere else. I decided to stay because of that. I took the decision I thought was the right one. I'm happy, and I'm trying to do my best."
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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