Report : Arsenal ‘contact’ one of the ‘best wide forwards in Europe’ over summer move…

According to sources, Arsenal have made contact with one of the top wide forwards in Europe regarding a potential summer transfer.

Arsenal have initiated discussions with Nico Williams’ agents as they look to advance their efforts in securing the services of the Athletic Bilbao winger.

Chelsea is also in the mix, with both clubs seriously contemplating activating the release clause of the Spanish international.

Should Williams opt to make the move to the Emirates Stadium from his childhood club in the upcoming summer transfer window, he will be aiming for a substantial increase in his wages.

Sources close to GIVEMESPORT have disclosed that Arsenal have engaged in talks with Nico Williams’ representatives to assess his interest in joining the Gunners when the transfer market reopens.

Despite being in contention for the Premier League title just a year after making significant investments in new players, including the record-breaking signing of Declan Rice for £105million from West Ham United, manager Mikel Arteta and director Edu are already strategizing for the next recruitment phase.

In their quest to strengthen their attacking prowess for the upcoming 2024/25 season, Arsenal, despite already leading the top-flight in goals scored, are actively exploring the transfer market for new additions. The Gunners are determined to further enhance their offensive capabilities and increase their chances of clinching the coveted championship title.

Recent reports suggest that Arsenal has expressed interest in Williams and is intensifying their pursuit of the player. According to reliable sources at GMS, the club is seriously contemplating triggering the £43 million release clause embedded in his contract with Athletic Bilbao. This decision stems from their belief that Williams would provide excellent value for the investment made.

Interestingly, their London rivals, Chelsea, find themselves in a similar position, indicating that a potential move to the Premier League for the Spanish international is a realistic possibility. Both clubs seem content with avoiding lengthy negotiations by simply meeting the predetermined figure outlined in his agreement with Estadio de San Sames.

Sources from GMS have indicated that Arsenal has reached out to the representatives of the 21-year-old player to gauge his interest in joining the team. They are also interested in understanding his preferences regarding the club’s level, his goals, and contract expectations.

With 23 goal contributions this season, Williams is considered by the Gunners to be among the top wide forwards in Europe. His significant role in Athletic Bilbao’s recent Copa del Rey victory highlights his talent and potential impact.

Despite Williams’ impressive performance this season, which includes 23 goal contributions, Arsenal faces tough competition from players like Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard for a spot in the starting lineup.

Arteta understands that convincing Williams to leave his childhood club, Athletic Bilbao, for a new challenge may be a challenging task due to his emotional attachment to the team.

According to GMS sources, Aston Villa may pose a challenge for Arteta’s high-flying team in the Premier League. The Midlands club has a long-standing interest in the talented player and seems to be moving closer to testing his loyalty to his current club.

Sources from GMS have indicated that Arsenal will have to offer a substantial salary package to entice Williams to join them at the Emirates Stadium.

It is believed that the player is looking for a salary increase of at least £100,000 per week from his current earnings at Athletic Bilbao in order to consider a move to a new club.

Since signing a new contract in December, the midfielder currently earns over £172,000 per week and has strong emotional connections to his current team, having progressed through their youth system and played alongside his brother Inaki, whom he supported as a child.