Arsenal are ready to push to seal a deal for Athletic Club de Bilbao star Nico Williams this summer following their defeat to Man City, according to TEAMtalk.
The Gunners currently sit top of the Premier League, three points ahead of their rivals but having played a game more, while they are also in the Champions League semi-finals, but a late drop in form has seen many unhappy with how things are going in north London.
The Reds are keen to strengthen their squad further during the summer for next season, and despite the belief that sales are needed before any big deals can go through, Mikel Arteta is keen to push for one of his dream arrivals.
Arsenal Want Nico Williams Deal
Nico Williams
Nico Williams
Williams, who has been described as 'one of Europe's best wingers', was a top target for Arsenal last summer, only for the Spain international instead to decide to stay at his boyhood club, signing a new long-term 10-year contract which increased his release clause.
His previous clause was worth just €60m (£51m), but his new contract now has a clause worth €90m (£78.3m), and it's understood that Arsenal are considering paying that fee in order to get him to London.
Andrea Berta is known to be a huge admirer of the Spain international, and has been working hard behind the scenes to see if a move can be put together for this summer, with Arteta considering the 23-year-old as a 'dream signing'.
Williams would be open to a move, having been left frustrated by a lack of progression in Bilbao, while Arsenal are considering moving on Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus to free up space in their squad for new arrivals.
Williams Could Be Gamechanger for Arteta
Nico Williams in action for Athletic Bilbao
Arsenal spent big money last summer to bring in the likes of Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze, and Viktor Gyokeres to help propel them towards trophies, and it has almost worked up to this point in the season.
But that attacking unit has struggled to be a consistent source of goals this season, and the lack of X-factor has contributed to them struggling to get over the line, and it's something they must address for next season.
The arrival of a player like Williams, who has experience at the top level making a difference, would be a real statement of intent and a game-changing signing for Arteta if they can get it over the line.
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