Arsenal's new sporting director Andrea Berta is wasting no time in helping to secure a move for Nico Williams.
Mikel Arteta's side was foolish not to go after a new centre forward in January with the likes of Victor Osimhen, Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha all linked. But it now appears as if the Gunners want to make Williams their prime summer target, with initial contact between the club and Bilbao having already started.
According to GFFN, Berta has already met with the 22-year-old's agent to discuss terms of a potential switch later this year. The report also states how PSG and Barcelona are monitoring his situation too, with a move away from La Liga likely in 2025.
football.london understands Arsenal have held a long-term interest in Williams and manager Arteta is a huge fan of the winger. Williams has nine goals and seven assists in 37 games in all competitions for Atletico Bilbao and impressed recently at Euro 2024 for his native Spain.
The 22-year-old was asked about his future during the tournament but kept tight-lipped on any suggesting he could soon be looking at a move away from the club.
“I’m not thinking about my future now. I’m so happy to be at Athletic, fans are happy too,” Williams told El Mundo.
“Bilbao is my home, I’m really happy and I want to enjoy it here. I want to bring Athletic at the best level. The dream is that Europa League final at San Mamés.”
Berta's contact with Williams' agent will begin to excite supporters, especially given other links suggesting Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi will join the club too later this year.
Attack remains the priority however for the Gunners, with Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka all spending months on the sidelines during the second half of 2024/25.