Arteta in dreamland as top Arsenal target set for summer move

Arsenal have been handed a major boost in their bid to finally sign Athletic Club superstar Nico Williams this summer.

The Spain international was widely tipped to secure an Emirates Stadium switch last year, but he ultimately opted to snub significant transfer interest in favour of signing a lucrative new contract at San Mames.

Williams’ current deal with Athletic Club isn’t due to expire until 2035, however the 23-year-old could be set to leave the club ahead of the 2026-27 season, according to a blockbuster report from Spanish publication Fichajes.

It’s reported that Athletic Club officials are now willing to sanction a sale if they receive a suitable offer this summer, despite previous rumours suggesting he would only depart the club if his €95 million release clause is triggered.

A slightly lower fee will reportedly be accepted by Ernesto Valverde’s side, with Fichajes claiming that €80m could be enough to secure his signature ahead of next campaign.

Nico Williams transfer battle pending

Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United are all keeping close tabs on Williams’ situation and the Premier League giants are expected to battle for his signature when the 2026 summer transfer window opens amid their pursuit of a new left winger.

All three clubs want to bolster their options on the left flank, and Williams has been earmarked as a top summer target, despite his dip in form this season.

The Spain winger has notched just four goals and six assists in 26 games across all competitions this term and he has been plagued by pubalgia, which has also affected the likes of Lamine Yamal and Cole Palmer in 2025-26.

However, he is still expected to be the subject of a transfer bidding war this summer, with Barcelona also potentially set to be in the running for his signature after failing to finalise a deal in 2025.

Despite interest from Chelsea and Man Utd, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has reportedly asked the club to closely monitor a potential move for Williams, with the Gunners potentially set to offload either Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard this summer.

Williams is viewed as a perfect replacement and Arsenal are likely to intensify their pursuit of his signature over the coming weeks if Athletic Club are, in fact, willing to accept a summer transfer.

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