Chelsea's €65 million target open to joining Arsenal - Reports
Spain forward Nico Williams is reportedly open to a move to Arsenal this summer. The Gunners are looking to bolster their attacking line and have identified the Athletic Bilbao star as a potential option.
The Spanish club's president, Jon Uriarte, has stated that the 22-year-old is not available for sale this summer (via Mirror). However, Williams is still attracting interest from multiple top clubs in Europe.
According to Fabrizio Romano (via Yahoo Sports), Chelsea are interested in signing the Spaniard and have made him a priority target. The Blues recently roped in Liam Delap, but still want to bolster their attack with wingers following Jadon Sancho's exit, and Mykhailo Mudryk's absence amid a doping scandal.
Meanwhile, the BBC (via Tribal Football) reports that Williams is willing to sign for Arsenal. However, the Spain international will only join Mikel Arteta's if they are willing to offer him a handsome paycheck. The Athletic Club winger is looking to become one of the highest-paid players at the Emirates.
Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Inter Milan have also shown interest in Williams, but his wage demands have proved to be a problem. The Euro 2024 winner reportedly has a release clause of about €65 million and is under contract with the Basque club until 2027.
Nico Williams has established himself as one of the finest young wingers in Europe since playing a key part in Spain's Euro 2024 triumph. He recorded 11 goals and four assists in 45 matches across competitions during the 2024-25 season. He helped Athletic Club to a top-four finish in LaLiga and the semifinals of the Europa League.
Arsenal closing in on deal to sign Chelsea outcast - Reports
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano on X, Kepa Arrizabalaga is close to joining Arsenal on a long-term deal. The Gunners will pay Chelsea a release clause fee of £5 million for Kepa, whom they plan to use as backup to his fellow countryman David Raya.
Kepa, who joined Chelsea in 2018 from Athletic Bilbao for a reported world record fee for a goalkeeper (£72 million ), last featured for the Blues in the 2022-23 season. He spent the 2023-24 season on loan at Real Madrid and the following season on another loan spell with Bournemouth.
The 30-year-old could become Arsenal's first summer signing. He kept nine clean sheets and conceded 43 times in 35 games for Bournemouth during the 2024-25 campaign.
