Arsenal have reopened talks with Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams as they intensify efforts to secure a new left-sided attacker before the close of the summer transfer window.
The Premier League club have turned back to the 23-year-old Spain international after failing to land Morgan Rogers and seeing uncertainty grow around a move for Bradley Barcola.
According to UK outlet TeamTalk, Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta has held direct discussions with Williams as part of a detailed assessment of a potential transfer.
World Cup star back in the spotlight
Williams is expected to be one of the most sought-after forwards in this window following his standout displays for Spain at the 2026 World Cup.
The winger played a decisive role in the final against Argentina, creating the winning goal with a clever headed pass to Ferran Torres. That performance cemented his reputation as one of Europe’s most exciting wide players and has placed him firmly on the radar of top clubs.
Although his domestic campaign last season was disrupted by injuries, limiting him to just 20 La Liga starts, Williams returned to fitness at a crucial time and showed he can still perform at the highest level.
Release clause within Arsenal’s reach
Athletic Bilbao moved to protect one of their prized assets by handing Williams a new long-term contract, which includes a release clause of £77m (€90m).
The fee is regarded as achievable for Arsenal, who have already demonstrated a willingness to invest heavily in attacking options under manager Mikel Arteta as they seek to compete for major honours in England and Europe.
Sources cited by TeamTalk say Berta is convinced that Williams – who has scored 74 goals and provided 37 assists in 199 appearances for Bilbao – possesses the pace, direct running and end product Arsenal are currently missing on the left flank.
Transfer setbacks push Arsenal towards Williams
Arsenal’s renewed focus on Williams follows a series of transfer setbacks in their search for a winger.
Morgan Rogers, one of their initial targets, completed a move to Chelsea, removing one option from the market. At the same time, any potential deal for Paris St-Germain’s Bradley Barcola has become complicated, with Manchester United entering the race and submitting a formal offer for the Frenchman.
Those developments have made Williams a priority as Arsenal seek to avoid heading into the new season without strengthening a key area of their squad.
Rivals monitoring but Arsenal lead race
Liverpool have previously tracked Williams, but the report suggests Arsenal are now at the front of the queue for his signature.
The Gunners are understood to be determined to add a left winger before the window shuts, viewing the position as essential to sustaining a Premier League title challenge and improving their prospects in the Champions League.
With Williams’ release clause clearly defined and his profile matching Arteta’s tactical demands, Arsenal’s hierarchy are expected to continue talks in the coming days as they weigh up whether to trigger the deal and bring one of La Liga’s top wide talents to north London.
