Arsenal look set to lose out on another of their top transfer targets to Barcelona following a huge Nico Williams update. The Gunners have been linked to several names this summer with Mikel Arteta wanting to strengthen five positions ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Martin Zubimendi in central midfield and Kepa Arrizabalaga in between the sticks look set to do exactly that in two areas with just some final formalities needing to be sorted for both deals.
football.london understands a striker, wide forward and defensive signing are also aims for Arsenal with multiple targets discussed internally. Viktor Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko, Marc Guehi, Jorrel Hato, Rodrygo, Rafael Leao and Williams are just a few names of interest.
The latter has seen rumours surrounding his Athletic Club future be prominent since his breakout displays in Spain's Euro 2024 triumph.
Arsenal and Barcelona have been long-term admirers while Bayern Munich recently joined the battle for his services after deeming a move for Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint-Germain was unattainable. In the midst of all that, the Basque club had actually opened contract talks with Williams.
However, since Bayern held meetings for the 22-year-old, the chances of a departure have increased but it is instead the La Liga champions that look to be his most likely destination.
According to Sky Sports Germany's Florian Plettenberg, Barcelona are leading the race for his signature with new and important negotiations taking place in the last 24 hours.
It has been claimed that Barcelona club president Joan Laporta is now working out whether a transfer is possible and if it is, the green light is expected to be given with Hansi Flick determined to sign him. Other interested parties have also been informed of these developments.
This update comes following reports in Spain that Williams would be willing to lower his wage demands in order to sign for Barcelona. With that sure to ease some financial worries, paying his £49.4million (€58m) release clause, which could rise to £54.5million (€64m) through inflation, in full remains a concern.
Sanctioning sales or agreeing to pay over that through instalments could help iron out any issues with Barcelona then primed to beat Arsenal in the race for Williams and Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia.
If the former does remain in Spain but with a new club, Arsenal will likely turn their full focus onto another La Liga star to strengthen out wide. Real Madrid's Rodrygo has been linked to an exit since his minutes diminished significantly towards the end of the 2024/25 season.
The arrival of Xabi Alonso has also complicated matters with it appearing as though he does not have a first-choice role under the Spaniard. Things will certainly become clearer after the Club World Cup with Rodrygo also wanting to discuss his future.