Bayern Munich have reportedly intensified talks over Nico Williams amid interest from Arsenal.
football.london understands Mikel Arteta has been an admirer of the Athletic Bilbao star for a long time, even prior to his breakout displays with Spain at Euro 2024.
Signing a new winger this summer is among the priorities at the Emirates, alongside bringing in a striker, defender and back-up goalkeeper.
June 9, 2025 " rel="nofollow" target="_self">Sky Sports Germany's Florian Plettenberg now reports that Bayern's attention has turned to Williams amid uncertainty over whether they can complete a move for Paris Saint-Germain's Bradley Barcola.
In recent days, it's said that Bayern have accelerated talks for Williams with 'meetings and discussions' taking place.
Although he is said to have a £60million release clause, he is on a high salary, reportedly earning €7–8m (£5–6m) per year at Bilbao.
There has also been a suggestion that the player himself can 'imagine' a move to the Allianz Arena.
Earlier this week, football.london reported that Bilbao have initiated talks to renew his contract. Give Me Sport's Ben Jacobs reported that parties have been discussing a salary which would exceed £8.4m (€10m) and that there may be an increase to his existing £49m (€58m) release clause.
Signing an extension would effectively rule out a summer departure, leaving Arsenal with limited alternatives.
Meanwhile, other interested clubs believe that Williams' wage demands and agent fees would make him too expensive.
Bilbao president Jon Uriarte has stated that he intends to keep the talented winger at the San Mames ahead of next season.
"I believe we have a winning and interesting project for everyone, and Nico is part of that project, just like many other players," Uriate has told Spanish news outlet El Correo.
"The project becomes easier if we keep our players - and I believe Nico and the rest of the squad have a very exciting year ahead."
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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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