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.
[(Athletic Bilbao) Strength]: 1. To secure their first win this season, Athletic Bilbao are undoubtedly motivated in this game.2. On July 4, Athletic Bilbao officially announced Nico Williams' contract extension until 2035, with his release clause increasing by at least 50% to over 87 million euros.3. Athletic Bilbao won 13 of the last 20 home games across all competitions, showcasing outstanding ...
I AM not convinced Viktor Gyokeres will score as many goals for Arsenal as people think.I would love to write this column later in the season and say I got it absolutely wrong. I want these players to embarrass me.Viktor Gyokeres may not get the goals Arsenal fans will be expecting from him this termMy frustration is always that these guys are instantly put on a pedestal.People don’t realise...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Sesko vs Gyokeres this week tall vs thick Isak now Arsenal this year !? This BALEBA Spot the frauds of London Shortest prime ever Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, FootballLaughss, NoContextChe1)...
[(Racing Club de Avellaneda) Strength]: 1. Racing Club de Avellaneda lost their first encounter 0-1, so they cannot afford any loss this time and must go all out to win, fully motivated.2. In the last domestic league game, Adrian Balboa performed well and scored the first goal to put the team ahead.3. Racing Club de Avellaneda scored 5 goals and conceded 5 in the last 5 games with good performance...
[(Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors) Strength]: 1. Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors performed stably across all competitions this season. Since April, the team have remained unbeaten in the last 20 matches.2. Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors scored at halftime in 4 consecutive games, getting into form quickly on offense.3. Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors scored at least 2 goals per game in 5 consecutive matches, showing strong attack.4....
[(Velez Sarsfield) Strength]: 1. During their first encounter, Velez Sarsfield played a goalless draw. In this home game, they vow to grab a win and advance, with full motivation.2. Braian Romero withstood the pressure in the last game and scored a penalty in the final moment, helping the team seal a last-gasp victory.3. Velez Sarsfield defeated Club Atletico Independiente 2-1 in the last game, wh...
[(Ferencvaros) Strength]: 1. Ferencvaros are motivated to win this home game and take the lead in advancing.2. Cadu scored a goal in the last game, once helping the team tie the game.3. Ferencvaros received 3 wins and 1 loss in the last 4 home games, revealing outstanding home performances.4. Ferencvaros scored 11 goals and conceded 3 in the last 5 games, boasting excellent attack and solid defens...
[(Gwangju FC) Strength]: 1. The first leg of the Semi-finals will see Gwangju FC play at home first. They hope to grab the advantage, with full motivation.2. Gwangju FC forward Reis scored twice in the last game, being in good form.3. Gwangju FC performed well and scored a 2-0 win over Daejeon Hana Citizen in hte last game, thus getting back on the winning ways.4. AH market provided home team a -1...
[(FC Machida Zelvia) Strength]: 1. In the last league game, Korean internationals Oh Se Hun and Na Sang Ho both scored in open play, showing decent performances.2. This game is FC Machida Zelvia's fourth consecutive home game, which is in favor of them.3. FC Machida Zelvia won 3-0 over Cerezo Osaka in the last league game, securing a 10-game winning streak across all competitions.4. FC Machida Zel...
[(Crvena Zvezda) Strength]: 1. Crvena Zvezda vow to win this home game in order to grab the advancing advantage, with full motivation.2. Aleksandar Katai performed very well in the last domestic league game. He scored a hat-trick in a win for the team.3. Crvena Zvezda defeated Mladost Lucani 4-1 in the last domestic league game. They achieved 7 wins and 1 draw in the last 8 games, being in red-hot...
- 1 Brentford Agree Deal to Sign Dango Ouattara From Bournemouth
- 2 TIPS - Villarreal VS Real Oviedo
- 3 ngland cricket legend’s granddaughter stuns in bikini
- 4 Lamela explains retirement decision: It started 11 years ago...
- 5 Estevao Willian set for 'key' Chelsea role after debut vs Palace
- 6 TIPS - Club Necaxa VS Club Leon
- 7 TIPS - Gwangju FC VS Daejeon Hana Citizen
- 8 Emotional Arne Slot admits he had wanted to bring late Diogo Jota on as a substitute in Liverpool's dramatic victory over Bournemouth
- 9 Benjamin Sesko vs Viktor Gyokeres: Man Utd-Arsenal showdown sets early stage for big-money No.9s to show the Premier League what they can offer
- 10 TIPS - Cambuur Leeuwarden VS FC Oss