Arsenal have began talks to sign £49m La Liga forward | OneFootball

Arsenal Intensify Interest in Nico Williams as Berta Begins Work Behind the Scenes

Arsenal’s preparations for what promises to be a defining summer window have accelerated with the club stepping up interest in Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams. The Guardian reports that newly appointed sporting director Andrea Berta has already initiated talks with the 22-year-old winger’s representatives, underlining his proactive approach just days into his official tenure.

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Williams emerges as a marquee target

Williams, who has enjoyed a breakout season both domestically and internationally, has been on Arsenal’s radar for over two years. The club considered a move last summer, but the winger opted to stay in Bilbao — a decision shaped by loyalty to his boyhood side and the desire for continuity ahead of a major international tournament.

That loyalty may be set to shift. After a starring role for Spain at Euro 2024 and Bilbao’s run to the Europa League quarter-finals, Williams is now thought to be ready for the next chapter. His €58m (£48.4m) release clause makes him an attainable investment, especially when weighed against Arsenal’s longstanding admiration and the fresh influence of Berta.

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The former Atlético Madrid executive’s connections in La Liga could yet prove decisive. Berta has already met with Félix Tainta, Williams’ agent, and there is confidence within the club that Arsenal’s stability, ambition, and attacking style of play will appeal to the forward.

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Attacking rebuild gathers pace

While Williams would offer an explosive wide option, Arsenal’s recruitment plans extend further. The need for a striker remains a clear priority. Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyökeres is viewed as a more viable option than Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko also under consideration.

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Additionally, midfield reinforcement is expected in the form of Martín Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, whose £50.2m switch is understood to be progressing. This potential influx of new talent coincides with expected departures, including Thomas Partey and Jorginho, whose contracts are set to expire.

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Berta’s early influence takes shape

Arteta’s excitement at working with Berta is already reflected in the speed of these early manoeuvres. “I’m looking forward to a big summer,” the Arsenal manager said on Monday, hinting at significant squad reshaping. Beyond new signings, extending contracts for key players like Bukayo Saka, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães is viewed as non-negotiable business, with all three currently tied down until 2027.

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Injury concerns grow ahead of crucial fixtures

However, not all is rosy in north London. Centre-back Gabriel faces a potential spell on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring injury in the 2-1 win over Fulham — aggravated by remaining on the pitch while visibly struggling. Jurriën Timber and Ben White are also being monitored after knocks, while Riccardo Calafiori’s international injury adds further depth concerns.

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With a trip to Everton looming and Real Madrid visiting in midweek for a Champions League quarter-final, Arteta may be forced to test the limits of his squad depth sooner than planned.

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For Arsenal supporters, this feels like the beginning of something big. Not just another summer of scouting, but a decisive evolution. Nico Williams isn’t just an exciting talent — he’s the kind of signing that sends a signal. Young, fast, technical, with top-level experience and bags of personality, he would fit seamlessly into Arteta’s high-intensity system.

To have Andrea Berta come in and hit the ground running is a breath of fresh air. His track record in Spain is no joke, and targeting Williams right out of the gate shows ambition. The price tag? Absolutely worth it in today’s market — especially when you factor in his ceiling and resale potential.

And while injuries to Gabriel, Timber, and White are concerning, they also highlight just how essential squad depth will be heading into a brutal run of fixtures. They’re finally acting like a club serious about competing on multiple fronts. The addition of Zubimendi and a proper No9 to challenge or rotate with Gabriel Jesus could be the final pieces to an already formidable puzzle.