Arsenal must beat Bayern Munich & Real Madrid in race to sign Nico Williams | OneFootball

Arsenal are expected to be active in the transfer market this summer, with a number of positions needing heavy reinforcement.

The Gunners watched their Premier League title challenge tail off as their number of injuries increased, and now they’re 12 points behind runaway leaders Liverpool with nine games remaining.

Mikel Arteta’s side will fight until the end, but they’re facing an insurmountable lead with no guarantee that they have enough left in the tank to muster a fight back.

They’re on course to finish as runners-up for a third consecutive season, and you’d expect that disappointment to be the pick-me-up the top brass need for a large-scale squad revamp this summer.

Attacking reinforcement will be at the core of Arsenal’s summer plans. Mikel Merino has shown plenty of attacking instincts for club and country so far.

However, the Gunners will be keen to relieve him of his makeshift duties at the top end of the pitch and return him to a more familiar midfield role.

Alexander Isak is the club’s primary striker target, but it’ll be a battle to lure him away from Newcastle United whether or not they qualify for the Champions League.

With Bukayo Saka and Ethan Nwaneri locking things down on the right flank, reinforcements at left wing will likely be prioritised, and it appears the Gunners are already closing in on a primary target.

Arsenal need to beat Bayern & Real Madrid to Nico Williams signing

Arsenal hold a long-standing interest in Athletic Club starlet Nico Williams, dating back to his spectacular performances for Spain at the 2024 European Championship in Germany.

Since then, the talented winger has been tracked by several clubs, but it is believed Arsenal, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid are leading the race to land his signature.

Speaking in his Fact Files column, Christian Falk claims Williams is closer to joining Arsenal than Bayern, while there have been speculation that Madrid want him to replace Saudi Arabia-linked Vinicius Junior.

Whatever the case may be, Arsenal need to make sure they get to Williams first this summer.

The hype around the 22-year-old forward had cooled off in recent months.

However, he reminded suitors of his enormous potential after putting in an 8/10 performance in Spain’s 2-2 draw against the Netherlands.

Williams gave La Roja the lead inside nine minutes and played a key role in Merino’s last-gasp equaliser.

He rifled a shot that was too hot for Bart Verbruggen to handle, allowing the Arsenal midfielder to poke home the rebound.

Williams has notched nine goals and seven assists in 37 games across all competitions for Bilbao this season.

He will provide serious competition for Gabriel Martinelli on the left and has the potential to take Arsenal’s attack up a notch.