Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta privately believes that another highly-rated star would be “perfect” for the Gunners, with new sporting director Andrea Berta potentially set to attempt his signing this summer.
Berta set for significant summer of Arsenal spending
Arteta has already confirmed that Arsenal are set for a “big” first transfer window under their newly-appointed transfer chief, who was officially announced as Edu Gaspar’s replacement late last month.
Arsenal: Berta set to table bid for "top player" after £202m transfer boost
The Italian will have a big warchest to reinvest into Arsenal’s squad.
1 ByEmilio GalantiniApr 11, 2025
Since then, reports have emerged claiming Arsenal could spend up to £300 million on seven major signings across the board (GiveMeSport), prior to the start of next season and a potentially more fruitful Premier League title challenge.
The north Londoners are said to be in the market for a new second-choice keeper, full-back, two midfielders, a left-winger, right-winger and striker (GMS), while Portuguese media sources state £202m of their transfer warchest could be spent on three big-name acquisitions.
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A Bola reported this week that the £202m spend could be invested into completing deals for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres and the heavily-linked Nico Williams.
Williams, who played a starring role in Spain’s triumph at Euro 2024, is set to be one of the biggest transfer stories of this summer, with Arsenal firmly in the race for his signature.
The 22-year-old is expected to push for an exit from Athletic Bilbao as Arsenal, Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Barcelona circle (The Guardian).
Williams’ contract also includes a £48 million release clause, meaning Berta could bypass negotiations with Bilbao in a fairly straightforward fashion and head straight to the winger for discussions over personal terms.
However, Williams is said to be demanding £250,000-per-week to leave Bilbao (GiveMeSport), so this could still end up being expensive in terms of salary. His current wages stand at around £170,000-per-week, according to The Times, so the Spaniard’s on the hunt for a hefty rise.
Mikel Arteta thinks Nico Williams is "perfect" for Arsenal
Speaking on his YouTube channel this week, Fabrizio Romano has shared more details on this potential move, and mainly what Arteta is thinking about the Basque starlet right now.
Arteta believes that Williams would be a “perfect” signing for Arsenal, following reports that Newcastle striker Alexander Isak is another “dream” signing of his, and it would appear the 43-year-old is drawing up his wishlist behind the scenes.
“Arsenal will sign a striker, but they will also sign a winger, and Nico Williams is considered the perfect player by Mikel Arteta,” said Romano.
“Chelsea also appreciate the player. There are several clubs interested in Nico, it will be a big race, Arsenal will be there for sure, but not only them.”
The exciting forward has been compared to the likes of Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal, Man City’s Jeremy Doku and Bayern Munich star Michael Olise in terms of playing style (Football Transfers).
Williams is fast earning a reputation as one of Europe’s most promising direct wingers with real unpredictability, leaving little wonder he’s turned Arteta’s head, especially after he racked up 19 assists in all competitions last season.