Nico Williams is expected to seek a transfer this summer.
Arsenal are exploring a summer move for Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams. Andrea Berta has held talks with the Spain forward's representatives in one of his first acts as the club's sporting director.
It is understood Berta, who was confirmed in his post last Sunday and attended Tuesday's 2-1 win over Fulham, has met the 22-year-old's agent, Felix Tainta.
Arsenal have heavily scouted Williams for the past two years and are believed to have considered a move for him last summer, only to be informed that he wanted to remain at Athletic for another season.
Williams, having starred for Spain at Euro 2024 and helped his boyhood club reach the quarter-finals of the Europa League, where they will face Rangers next week, is expected to push for a move this summer. Barcelona, who also tried to sign Williams last summer, Bayern Munich and Chelsea are also believed to be in the race, with his release clause thought to be set at €58m (£48.4m). Arsenal's long-term interest and the role of Berta, formerly sporting director at Atletico Madrid, could persuade him to move to north London.
Arsenal are also in the market for a striker and have identified Sporting Lisbon's Viktor Gyokeres as a more realistic target than his Sweden teammate Alexander Isak. They have also heavily scouted Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig. The Real Sociedad midfielder Martín Zubimendi is expected to complete a £50.2m move, with Thomas Partey and Jorginho likely to depart when their contracts expire.
It is unclear what budget Berta will have, but there are likely to be more departures as Mikel Arteta attempts to refresh his squad. The manager said on Monday he was looking forward to a "big summer" working with Berta. Extending the contracts of Bukayo Saka, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, whose deals expire in 2027, is also a priority.
Meanwhile, there are fears Gabriel could be out for a significant spell after coming off against Fulham with a hamstring injury. The problem was exacerbated by the Brazilian playing on for more than a minute as Fulham had the ball, with the 27-year-old hobbling badly as he tried to stay on his feet.
Gabriel was sent for a scan on Wednesday and Arsenal are also assessing Jurrien Timber, who was forced off with a knee injury. Arteta confirmed that Ben White had missed the game with a knee problem, joining Riccardo Calafiori on the sidelines after the Italian was injured on international duty. Arsenal play at Everton on Saturday and host Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday.
GABRIEL'S wife Gabrielle Figueiredo has given a concerning update on the Arsenal star's injury.The Brazilian, 27, went down clutching his hamstring barely 15 minutes into his side's 2-1 win over Fulham on Tuesday night.Gabrielle Figueiredo appeared at the Married to the Game screeningGabrielle is married to Arsenal star GabrielAfter receiving treatment on the pitch, the centre-back shook his head ...

Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Man City confirm Erling Haaland ankle injury Arsenal 2-1 FulhamMerino 37" Saka 73" Forest 1-0 Man Utd Saka in Timber & Gabriel out REAL MADRID ARE IN THE COPA DEL REY FINAL RIP to your productivity this week The only time Cristiano and Messi have ever shared a photo of each other was for the iconic LV ad in 2022! Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There wi...

Chelsea are considering a blockbuster move for Athletic Club winger Nico Williams this summer and could compete with THREE Premier League rivals for his signature, TEAMtalk understands.Enzo Maresca's side are set to be one of the most active sides in the upcoming window and want business done as early as possible, in preparation for the Club World Cup.Athletic and Spain winger Williams has been ad...

Chelsea climbed back into the Premier League’s top four as Enzo Fernandez’s header early in the second half earned a 1-0 derby win over Tottenham at Stamford Bridge.Enzo Maresca’s side were under pressure after limping into the international break playing football that had ceased to excite home fans, but they largely had the better of a disappointing Spurs team that failed to tak...

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David Moyes bemoaned an “offside” goal that gave Liverpool a 1-0 win over Everton – but admitted James Tarkowski was lucky to avoid an early red card on a controversial night at Anfield.Diogo Jota’s 57th-minute goal gave Liverpool a 100th derby win and moved them a step closer to the Premier League title, but both sides were left unhappy with decisions from referee Sam Barr...

Eddie Howe hailed Sandro Tonali’s shooting power after seeing him cap a fine display with a stunning winner to edge Newcastle into the race for Champions League qualification.The 24-year-old Italy international brought an incident-packed encounter to a fitting conclusion with a 74th-minute piledriver which beat goalkeeper Mark Flekken from an improbable angle to hand the Magpies a precious 2...

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery believes Marcus Rashford is “progressively getting better” in all aspects of his game following his first Premier League goal for the club.The on-loan Manchester United forward set Villa on course for a comprehensive 3-0 win over fellow European hopefuls Brighton with a 51st-minute finish at the Amex Stadium.Rashford’s milestone strike came three days ...

Southampton boss Ivan Juric vowed to keep fighting as relegation moved sharply into focus after Crystal Palace denied them only a third Premier League win of the season.Substitute Matheus Franca’s stoppage-time header, to secure a 1-1 draw for the Eagles, means Saints will be down at the weekend if they lose at Tottenham and Wolves beat Ipswich.If relegation is confirmed on Sunday, Southampt...



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