Mick Brown
Tue 1 April 2025 14:20, UK
Arsenal are leading Real Madrid in the race to sign Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams ahead of the summer transfer window.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 22-year-old will make the final call about his future.
Mikel Arteta has identified the Spain international as his first-choice option as the signing of a new winger remains the priority at the Emirates.
Injuries to both Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka have derailed Arsenal’s Premier League title push, and they are keen not to suffer the same fate next season.
As a result, work has already begun behind the scenes and their efforts are expected to be boosted by the arrival of Andrea Berta, who has strong connections in Spanish football.
However, Brown confessed players often find it difficult to turn down the prospect of a move to Real Madrid and it would be a difficult choice for Williams to make.
Nico Williams has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal. (Credit: Getty Images)
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Arsenal move ahead of Real Madrid to sign Nico Williams
Williams has become one of the most highly-regarded young wingers in Europe thanks to another strong season in La Liga, while he also has 24 caps for Spain.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has explained that Arsenal currently have the upper hand in the deal but could still miss out.
“The first time I watched him play, I was astounded,” he told Football Insider.
“He’s like an Olympic sprinter, he flies past everything, not afraid to take on his full-back and he’s become even better since then.
“It doesn’t surprise me at all to hear these types of clubs are interested in him.
“Arsenal have been working on that deal for a while, he’s going to be their top target this summer and they want to get ahead of teams to get a deal done.
“This new director of football they’ve got coming in will help with that thanks to his connections.
“But I do think it will be a difficult deal for any team to get done.
“I think Real Madrid have a strong hand. I don’t know too many players who have ever turned Real Madrid down given the chance to go.
“But if Arsenal can get ahead, speak to his agent and things like that, they could very well agree a deal.”
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal
(Credit Imago)
Mikel Arteta planning Bukayo Saka contract talks
Alongside their attempts to strengthen their squad, Arsenal have also begun work behind the scenes to keep their best players for the foreseeable future.
Football Insider revealed on 1 April that Arsenal will offer Saka a mega-money deal in the coming weeks as they plan talks over a new long-term contract.
The 23-year-old’s current contract is set to run until 2027, but the Gunners are determined to tie down his long-term future as the face of the club.
Meanwhile, Arsenal also want to reward Ethan Nwaneri with a new contract amid interest from Man City, as they see him playing a key role in the future of Arteta’s side.
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