Arsenal are already losing ground to some rivals in the transfer market this summer.
Liam Delap is heading to Chelsea – a striker Arsenal were encouraged to sign due to his £30m release clause.
Arsenal also held talks over Bryan Mbeumo, but the Cameroon international has now decided to join Manchester United.
Now, a player Arsenal expected to sign in Nico Williams has dealt Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta another blow after starting talks over a new contract with Athletic Bilbao.
Athletic Bilbao and Nico Williams now engaging in contract talks
Ben Jacobs now reveals that Athletic Bilbao are in discussions over a contract renewal with the 22-year-old.
🚨 Exclusive: Nico Williams has began initial talks to renew his Athletic Bilbao contract.
Parties discussing a salary pushing €10m, and release clause could increase should a deal be agreed. Not yet a guarantee.
Suitors like Arsenal and Chelsea see value in Williams’ current… pic.twitter.com/HieUP2wt69
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) June 3, 2025
The respected journalist claims Athletic Bilbao are attempting to increase his €58m (£49m) release clause, and arrange an increase on his salary up to a figure in the region of €10m (£8.4m) annually.
It comes after Steve Kay claimed that Arsenal expected Williams to join this summer, with Arteta known to be a long-term admirer of the Spain international.
Nico Williams cuts inside, beats Mancini and lifts the ball over Svilar 😲
A worthy #UELGOTD winner 🏅@FlixBus_DE pic.twitter.com/78lfKIblDt
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) March 14, 2025
Of course, the fact Athletic Bilbao are trying to increase the release clause rather than abolish it completely would suggest an exit could still materialise, although it remains to be seen just how much that will cost.
Williams – who Real Madrid also like – scored 11 goals and provided seven assists in 45 appearances across all competitions last season.
Nico Williams already warned Arsenal this could happen in April
Despite talk of Arsenal expecting to sign the Athletic Bilbao No.10 this summer, he hinted at quite the opposite when speaking to Diario Sport in April.
Nico Williams magic 🪄 pic.twitter.com/syMfvOuA1F
— UEFA EURO (@UEFAEURO) March 14, 2025
Williams revealed he is “super happy” in Bilbao ahead of the UEFA Europa League semi-final against Manchester United, saying: “The dream is to lift the champion’s trophy at San Mames. I have the opportunity to make history at this club. The dream never ends. I’m 100% focused on tomorrow, on reaching the final and winning it.
“I don’t want to look any further. I’m super happy here. I’ve always wanted to feel important here. This is a 10/10 season for me.”
Hopefully, Arsenal have alternatives to Williams – who has been called a superstar – in mind, as this transfer now looks set to become much harder to complete.