Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is expected to move quickly in the summer transfer market to bring in some key targets.
The Gunners boss is fully focused on leading his team to a potential first-ever UEFA Champions League title this season but work is already underway behind the scenes.
New sporting director Andrea Berta will play a key role in negotiations with Arteta keen to bring in a new midfielder and a much-needed attacker.
Real Sociedad playmaker Martin Zubimendi is his rumoured first-choice to bolster the midfield, with Thomas Partey and Jorginho set to leave, as their contract expire in June.
Despite rumours linking Arteta with a central forward, the Basque coach is a huge fan of Athletic Club winger Nico Williams, with the Spain international facing a key call on his future.
Nico Williams’ Athletic Club contract, release clause, stats
Williams’ current deal in Bilbao contains a £51m [$68m] release clause with his contract at the Estadio San Mames running until 2027.
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Arsenal are ready to pay his exit fee, with the potential to offer more money, to secure a structured deal spread across his prospective contract in North London.
The 22-year-old has racked up 11 goals and seven assists split across La Liga, Copa del Rey and UEFA Europa League action so far this season – tallying as his best-ever return at club level in a single campaign.
His upward curve only increases his importance in Bilbao as Ernesto Valverde’s side prepare to face Manchester United in the UEL semifinals this month.
With the final in Bilbao, the narrative is in Williams’ favour, and Athletic Club look destined to qualify for the UCL next season.
La Liga and the Premier League have been granted five automatic spots in the competition for 2025/26 – with the Europa League champions also granted a place – and that expected qualification could sway Williams against an Arsenal move.
“Every kid wants to play at Old Trafford,” he told Diario AS.
“We have the goal of winning the Europa League in our sights, and for next year, we want to crush it in the Champions League!
“We’re doing very well, and we need to continue like this to reach the final.”
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