Arsenal fans are preparing for a busy summer transfer window as Mikel Arteta looks to build a squad capable of winning the Premier League title in 2025/26.
After three successive second place finishes, Arteta is under pressure to deliver a trophy in 2026, with new signings on the cards at the Emirates Stadium before the start of preseason.
Reinforcements in attack are a priority for Arteta, after a striker injury crisis dented his title charge in the second half of 2024/25, with Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz both ruled out.
Sporting CP marksman Viktor Gyokeres is rumoured to be his first-choice option to come into the Gunners forward line but his current side are holding out for an increased transfer offer.
Athletic Club winger Nico Williams is also an option, based on his £50m [$67m] release clause in Bilbao, and Arteta is keeping the Spain international on his radar.
A central attacker is not the sole focus for Arteta, with doubts over the futures of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, and Williams is viewed as a replacement option
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Nico Williams transfer latest: Release clause, contract, stats
A move for Williams is expected to form part of a double La Liga raid by Arsenal - with Real Sociedad playmaker Martin Zubimendi in talks with the Gunners since the start of 2025 - with a £51m [$69m] release clause in his contract.
Zubimendi has played down a deal being close whilst on international duty with Spain but Williams remains in negotiations over his release option.
The 22-year-old is under contract in Bilbao until 2027, and played a key role in securing the return of UEFA Champions League football to the Estadio San Mames at the end of 2024/25, with five La Liga goals and five assists.
His current side are preparing contract extension talks - to block Arsenal's interest - and La Liga expert Phil Kitromilides told CBS Sports he could end up staying in the Basque Country.
"I think he will stay at Athletic Club. Last season, he was sclose to joining Barcelona, and then it worked out pretty well for Barca as they played Raphinha on the left and and he had a best-ever season.
“Don’t underestimate the strength of that bond.”@PhilKitro chats Nico Williams’ future at Athletic Club and the bond he has with his brother and teammate Iñaki Williams 🤝 pic.twitter.com/iymHFMSKDy
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) June 3, 2025
"Nico Williams' stock has perhaps fallen a little bit, it was at an all-time high after the Euros last summer, and some of his performances in 2025 have been a little underwhelming.
"I think he sticks around for another season, and plays in the Champions League with his brother Inaki, don't underestimate the strength of that bond between them. The bond between the brothers is massive, and that could mean he stays for one more year."
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