Arsenal have opened talks with Nico Williams’ camp as Mikel Arteta seeks to strengthen his attack.
The Bilbao winger has a £48m release clause, but competition is fierce.
Arsenal have reportedly opened talks with the representatives of Nico Williams as they look to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Athletic Bilbao winger, one of Europe’s most sought-after young forwards, has a release clause between £48m and £67m, making him a potentially astute acquisition for Mikel Arteta.
The 22-year-old Spanish international, who played a pivotal role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph, has caught the eye of multiple European powerhouses, including Bayern Munich, Chelsea, and Liverpool.
However, reports indicate that Arsenal have taken the first step, initiating discussions with his camp to gauge interest in a potential move to North London.
Williams, who operates primarily on the left wing but is comfortable across the frontline, would bring dynamism and directness to Arsenal’s attack, an area that has been exposed due to Bukayo Saka’s injury couple with those of Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.
Despite enduring an inconsistent season with his club, registering just four league goals and five assists in the league, his ceiling remains incredibly high, and his electrifying performances at the Euros solidified his reputation as one of the continent’s best wide talents.
With Arsenal’s title challenge faltering due to a lack of cutting edge in front of goal, Arteta and the club’s recruitment team are prioritising attacking reinforcements this summer.
Given the relative affordability of Williams’ release clause in today’s market, the club is expected to push forward with negotiations in the hopes they can secure the player before the summer transfer window officially opens.
With Williams having signed a new contract with Bilbao in late 2023, the release clause represents a clear opportunity for the Gunners to swoop in, provided they can convince the player of their project.