It could be a busy summer transfer window for Arsenal as Mikel Arteta looks to add further quality to his squad for the 2025/26 season.
football.london understands the Gunners are keen to bolster their frontline when the transfer window opens on June 12. A striker and versatile wide forward have been spoken about internally and one man who continues to be linked is Nico Williams.
The Athletic Club wide man was heavily linked with a move to Emirates Stadium last summer, after he helped Spain win Euro 2024. The 22-year-old opted to stay in La Liga, however, and has nine goals and seven assists in 37 appearances this campaign.
Mainly operating on the left but capable of playing on the right, Williams would add much-needed quality to the Arsenal forward areas. Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard and Raheem Sterling have all had mixed seasons and Williams would be seen as an upgrade on all three.
It's believed Williams has a release clause of more than £50million in his current contract with Athletic Club and a deal may hinge on Arsenal's incoming sporting director, believed to be Andrea Berta, and his thoughts on the wideman. Arsenal are also in the market for a striker this summer, with Alexander Isak, Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres all thought to be targets.
So, should the Gunners splash the cash to bring Williams to Emirates Stadium? football.london's trusted writers have their say below!
Sam Truelove
I like Nico Williams and at the age of 22, he fits the Gunners' transfer police of signing young and exciting talent. He has experience of playing on the biggest stage for Spain and has impressed at club level for a number of years now.
With his release clause he is clearly not cheap but would offer decent value. Mikel Arteta is a fan of the winger and would undoubtedly prove him if he was given the chance to work with the wideman.
For me, though, Williams does have to improve his attacking output. He is yet to score 10 goals or more for his club in a single season and really, to be Premier League and Champions League contenders, Arsenal need someone scoring and assisting on a regular basis. Given Williams' age I would back him to improve in the coming years so if I were Arsenal, I would look to secure a deal this summer.
Verdict - Buy
Joe Doyle
For me, it comes down to the finances of a deal, as transfers don't happen in isolation. We know that Nico Williams is on a high wage at Athletic due to their unique club model of only signing Basque-born or trained players. If Arsenal did complete a move, it's unlikely he'd be taking much of a pay cut to join them.
There's no doubt that he's an exciting young star, but there are slight question marks over his output. While he's been a key part of Athletic's form over recent seasons, he's not put up fantastic numbers - he's more in the bracket of Gabriel Martinelli than Bukayo Saka over the last couple of years.
That's not necessarily a bad thing as he has room to grow and improve, but it does mean Williams would not necessarily by a giant leap in quality on what Arsenal already have for the left-wing role. And if the Gunners are talking about finally winning a Premier League title and regularly being among the Champions League final stages, that's what they need to bring in.
For me the focus needs to be on a No.9 this summer. If the Gunners can afford both a top-class striker and Williams, then by all means get it done. If it becomes a choice, they must prioritise a move for a centre-forward.
Verdict - Don't Buy
Isaac Seelochan
Nico Williams would be a superb signing for Arsenal. A new striker should be the priority this summer but having Williams and Saka on the wings would improve the Gunners' attack tenfold.
With a reported £52million release clause, the Bilbao forward would be excellent value for money considering some of the other fees being banded about for player's in a similar position. A deal is likely to be tricky though with Barcelona said to be his preferred destination.
However, if they pay Williams' release clause or negotiate a smaller fee, then that will put pressure on Barca. The Gunners are also likely to be in a better financial position than the Catalans, so it could be an excellent opportunity for Arsenal to sign an elite attacker.
Verdict - Buy
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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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