Arsenal's summer transfer window appears set to undergo many twists and turns before Andrea Berta's wishlist is fulfilled, with a surprise update now coming to light on one of the club's top targets.
Arsenal laying groundwork for key summer transfer deals
Berta's arrival at the Emirates Stadium back in March prompted much excitement, and he's widely reported to have already laid serious groundwork on key summer deals for Arsenal.
Benjamin-Sesko-Arsenal Related
[BBC journalist shares "information" about Gyokeres or Sesko joining Arsenal](https://www.footballfancast.com/arsenal-transfers-viktor-gyokeres-benjamin-sesko-update/ "BBC journalist shares "information" about Gyokeres or Sesko joining Arsenal")
There's been a significant update on the Gunners' striker search.
Arsenal are working on deals for both Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko, before deciding which striker to formally make a move for (Sami Mokbel), and they're believed to be firm contenders for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
The north Londoners were believed to have sealed a deal for the latter, with Fabrizio Romano giving his famous 'here we go' and the BBC claiming a medical had been scheduled, but Zubimendi himself has now come out to deny reports that he's set to become Berta's first signing of the summer.
Arsenal-Martin-Zubimendi
"My future? It will be a long summer. I don't know how it will end," said Zubimendi to Radio Nacional, via Madrid Zone.
"If Xabi Alonso calls me to join Real Madrid? I've always said Xabi is my idol, and it was a privilege to have him as my coach at La Real B. If he called me now? I don't want to talk about that hypothesis, I'd rather talk about the present. It would be disrespectful to talk about that while I'm on national team duty. I posted pics on a Spanish beach while rumors said I'm in London doing medical exams for Arsenal? Yes, I did that to make it clear those rumors were not true."
Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports) Money on new signings
19/20 - winter £0
20/21 - summer £81.5m
20/21 - winter £900k
21/22 - summer £156.8m
21/22 - winter £1.8m
22/23 - summer £121.5m
22/23 - winter £59m
23/24 - summer £208m
23/24 - winter £0
24/25 - summer £101.5m
24/25 - winter £0
According to reliable media sources, Berta has also met with the representatives of Athletic Bilbao starlet Nico Williams, but his exit is far from certain as well.
The Spain international rejected a move last summer in favour of remaining in Bilbao (The Athletic), and despite many reports to the contrary, he could end up doing the same this year.
Nico Williams could reject Arsenal and sign new contract
According to GiveMeSport, Williams could now snub a move to Arsenal and sign a new contract instead, with Mikel Arteta dealt a significant blow in his pursuit of the winger, who's privately refused to rule out remaining in La Liga.
Arsenal-Nico-Williams (2)
Bilbao have apparently engaged in "fresh" talks with Williams over an extension, and Ernesto Valverde's side are apparently aiming to keep him for a longer period whilst also raising the £50 million release clause in his contract.
Given Arsenal have long been tipped as serious suitors for the 22-year-old, with Berta personally holding talks, this comes as a real surprise considering Williams was thought to be closing in on an almost-certain exit from the Estadio de San Mames in 2025.
Chelsea held talks with Williams' camp last week as well, according to journalist Simon Phillips, but the Gunners' London rivals could also be facing a serious setback after this update.
The highly-rated forward bagged 19 assists in all competitions across 2023/2024, playing a key role in Spain's triumph at Euro 2024, and showcasing his talent often during the second half of last season with some dazzling performances.