Arsenal make fresh contact over signing Nico Williams.
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Arsenal have reportedly revived their interest in signing Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams.
The Gunners’ top priority this summer remains signing a new left winger.
Follow our LIVE Arsenal transfer updates here!
Leandro Trossard has already left the Emirates to join Besiktas, while Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis is expected to arrive as his replacement.
However, Arsenal are still planning to add another wide forward before the transfer window closes.
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Morgan Rogers was Mikel Arteta’s preferred target, but the Aston Villa star now looks set to join Chelsea after the Blues agreed a deal worth around £117m.
As a result, Arsenal have turned their attention back to alternative targets.
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Arsenal make contact over Nico Williams deal
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According to TEAMtalk’s Graeme Bailey, Arsenal have made contact over a potential move for Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams.
The Spain international only signed a new 10-year contract with Athletic Bilbao last summer, keeping him at the club until 2035.
Despite that, the report claims Williams could still leave before the start of the 2026/27 season.
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His contract reportedly contains a £77m release clause, a figure Arsenal would be willing to meet if they decide to pursue a deal.
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The Gunners are now understood to have stepped up their interest and are exploring whether a move is achievable this summer.
Williams is reportedly open to playing in the Premier League, with Arsenal viewed as one of his preferred destinations.
Whether this summer proves to be the right time for the 24-year-old to leave Bilbao remains to be seen.
What happens next?
Arsenal are set to step up their plans as the summer transfer window now officially open, with the club continuing to hold internal discussions over potential targets. Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta are both believed to be actively assessing several options as preparations for next season continue behind the scenes.
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The Gunners are expected to be among the busiest Premier League clubs this summer, with several positions under review. Any move will ultimately depend on availability, financial conditions and how Arsenal prioritise their targets during the transfer window.
The bigger picture
Arsenal’s recruitment team continues to focus on players who fit the club’s long-term strategy under Mikel Arteta. Technical quality, tactical intelligence and versatility remain key attributes as the club assesses potential additions ahead of the new campaign.
The club has consistently looked to add players capable of improving both the starting XI and overall squad depth, particularly with the demands of competing in the Premier League and Champions League. Arsenal are expected to strengthen multiple areas of the squad this summer and continue to monitor opportunities across Europe and South America.
Arsenal are expected to make several important decisions regarding the composition of the squad this summer. While strengthening key areas remains a priority, the club could also consider offers for certain players if it helps fund new arrivals and maintain financial flexibility.
Securing the futures of key players remains just as important as making new signings. Arsenal have worked hard to build one of the strongest squads in Europe, and maintaining stability within the group will be crucial as the club looks to continue competing for major honours.
Our View
If the reports are accurate, this would appear to be a move that makes sense for Arsenal. The club are expected to strengthen the attacking department of the squad ahead of next season, and Williams has been a long-term target over the last few years.
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Whether Arsenal decide to step up their interest in Williams remains to be seen, but it is easy to understand why the player is being linked with a move to North London.
For more Arsenal transfer updates, follow our LIVE blog!
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