DONE DEAL: Nico William Arsenal have officially moved ahead of Barcelona, Chelsea and Liverpool in the race to sign Europe’s most dangerous young attacker. The player has agreed to a five-year deal, and his medical will take place this morning as planned.
Who will be Arsenal ‘s first signing of the summer? The main summer transfer window opens on Monday, June 16, having been open for ten days at the start of this month to allow Club World Cup teams to strengthen their squads ahead of the group stages.
The Gunners did not make a move in those opening ten days, but have been linked with plenty of players.
Martin Zubimendi is expected to join from Real Sociedad in a £51million move, that’s despite late interest from Real Madrid who were trying to hijack the transfer and convince the midfielder to sign for them.
Kepa Arrizabalaga is another signing just waiting to be confirmed. Arsenal will pay the £5million release clause to sign him from London rivals Chelsea as back-up goalkeeper to compatriot David Raya.
football.london understands that Arsenal will also be in the market for a defender, a striker and perhaps a wide forward as well.
Nico Williams is one wide forward who has been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium, although it may be a difficult deal for new sporting director Andrea Berta to conclude, with the payer’s wage demands putting the Gunners off.
Mikel Arteta is a huge admirer of the young forward having been linked with a move to sign him last summer too. Now it could be a case of missing out two years in a row, with another spanner being thrown in the works
News coming out of Spain is that Barcelona are interested in the 22-year-old and that Williams may well favour a move to the Camp Nou over anywhere else.
Spanish publication Sport report that Barca sporting director Deco held a meeting with Williams’ agent on Friday to discuss a move to the La Liga champions.
Williams scored 11 goals and laid on five assists to help Athletic Club to the semi-finals of the Europa League this season, with Bilbao also finishing fourth in La Liga and claiming a Champions League place for next season
