Arsenal are stepping up preparations to finally sign Athletic Club winger Nico Williams this summer, with sporting director Andrea Berta understood to be deeply involved in efforts to structure a viable deal. The Gunners have tracked Williams for several years but failed to complete a move last summer when the Spanish International opted to sign a new long-term contract keeping him at San Mames until 2035.
That contract extension raised Williams’ release clause to approximately €90 million, though reports from Spain suggest Athletic Club may be willing to accept a slightly lower offer in the region of €80 million if the right club comes forward.
A dip in the Basque side’s overall performance this season has reportedly fuelled frustration within the Williams camp, with the 23-year-old keen to compete at the highest level ahead of a World Cup that is expected to be central to his career trajectory.
Williams has returned from a lengthy groin injury and has contributed four goals and six assists across 26 appearances this term despite spending a significant portion of the campaign on the sidelines. Arteta has reportedly made his admiration for the Spain international clear to the club’s recruitment team, describing him as a dream signing for the system he runs at the Emirates.
Chelsea and Manchester United are also monitoring the situation, while Barcelona remain linked but are understood to have their attention focused elsewhere in the squad. That has opened space for Arsenal to push ahead with their interest. A successful move for Williams would likely prompt an exit for either Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard, given the positional overlap.