Arsenal are intensifying their long-standing pursuit of Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, with sporting director Andrea Berta positioning the 23-year-old as a prime target for the summer window. While no deal is imminent, the club’s hierarchy continues to monitor the Spaniard closely as he returns to full fitness, viewing him as a high-potential addition to bolster their attacking options on the left flank.
Williams has endured a challenging 2025/26 campaign, limited by a persistent groin injury that kept him sidelined for several months. He has made fewer than 20 starts this season but has still contributed four goals and two assists in his limited appearances. Now back in action and rebuilding sharpness, his immediate priority is regaining peak condition ahead of the summer’s World Cup with Spain, where he is expected to feature prominently. Despite the setbacks, Williams’ underlying quality remains undisputed—he has already amassed 35 goals and 36 assists in 195 appearances for Athletic Bilbao since his debut in 2021.
The Basque club secured Williams on a lucrative long-term contract last summer, extending until 2035. However, the deal includes a release clause now valued at €90 million (£78 million / $106 million), which could facilitate a move if Arsenal—or any suitor—are prepared to meet the figure outright. Arsenal have tracked Williams for several years and see him as an ideal left-sided forward to inject pace, creativity, and goal threat into Mikel Arteta’s squad.
Andrea Berta, Arsenal’s sporting director, is understood to be a major admirer of the winger and has been actively shaping the club’s attacking recruitment strategy. His involvement extends beyond Williams, with parallel interest in players such as Julian Alvarez, signalling a proactive approach to refreshing the forward line. Multiple senior figures within the Arsenal hierarchy share Berta’s high regard for Williams, describing him as one of Europe’s most exciting young wingers when fully fit and capable of making an immediate statement impact at the Emirates.
Barcelona remain long-term admirers of Williams, yet sources indicate their current recruitment priorities lie elsewhere—specifically strengthening central defence and adding a clinical striker. This shift has strengthened Arsenal’s relative position in the race, though competition is expected to intensify once the transfer window opens.
Compounding the opportunity is growing uncertainty around Gabriel Martinelli’s future at the club. Arsenal value the Brazilian international in the region of £50 million or more, but recent reports suggest the club will listen to serious offers rather than stand in the way of a potential exit. Williams has long been viewed as a natural stylistic fit to replace or rotate with Martinelli, offering a more direct, explosive profile on the left wing.
While the move remains speculative at this stage, the alignment is compelling: a proven talent with World Cup pedigree, a realistic release clause, and a clear squad need at Arsenal. Fitness concerns will require careful medical assessment, but if Williams can sustain his pre-injury form, he has the potential to become a transformative signing for the Gunners in 2026.
With Berta driving the agenda and Arsenal preparing for what could be a pivotal summer of squad evolution, the Nico Williams situation is one to watch closely. The coming weeks and months—particularly Williams’ performances upon full return—will determine whether the £78 million clause becomes a price worth paying.