**Liverpool and Arsenal are both interested in signing Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams, but reports state the Gunners are in a more advanced stage of their interest.**
With the disappointment of the 2025/26 season firmly behind us, Liverpool are reportedly hard at work on recruiting players for new head coach Andoni Iraola ahead of his first season at the helm.
The Spaniard’s arrival has restored excitement and hope to the Liverpool fanbase after Arne Slot’s dismal second season in charge, but while his football philosophy is more aligned with ‘The Liverpool Way’, there is a lot of work to be done to hand him the squad he needs to immediately challenge.
There are several positions that need investment, but none more important than finding a successor to Mohamed Salah. Michael Olise is the only player on the market that comes close to a like-for-like replacement, but he is not for sale and if he does leave, Real Madrid are favourites to land him.
Liverpool are reportedly desperate to sign Bradley Barcola, but the Reds are not blinkered in their plans, with several alternatives on their shortlist.
Nico Williams is on Liverpool’s shortlist of attacking targets, but Arsenal are more advanced in transfer pursuit
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According to a report from journalist Ekrem Konur, Arsenal’s pursuit of Williams is “more advanced” than Liverpool’s.
Konur reports on [X](https://twitter.com/Ekremkonur/status/2080269196693246451?s=20): _“Liverpool are interested in Nico Williams, but Arsenal’s pursuit is currently more advanced._
_“Arsenal have made new contacts for the Athletic Club winger, with sporting director Andrea Berta assessing whether a deal is feasible._
_“His contract includes a £77M release clause, a figure Arsenal and several Premier League clubs can realistically meet._
_“Nico Williams is back on Arsenal’s shortlist.”_
Williams would be a fantastic signing but Barcola remains the dream Liverpool signing in 2026
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It’s no surprise that Liverpool are interested in Nico Williams. The Spaniard is one of the most entertaining and effective players in Europe, but Barcola is better.
Liverpool have seen firsthand the damage that Barcola can do to teams, after the rapid winger assisted a goal against them last season. His pace and direct style of play are also perfect for the way Iraola likes his wingers to play.