Arsenal ahead of Liverpool in race to sign £49m forward after Berta talks

Arsenal have moved ahead of Liverpool in the race to sign a “unique” target this summer, after sporting director Andrea Berta’s talks with his representatives.

Arsenal identify transfer targets ahead of crucial summer window

Mikel Arteta and Berta appear very likely to orchestrate a major rebuild in the off-season, and they’ve reportedly sealed their first signing of the window already.

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After months of talks, Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi has reached an agreement to join Arsenal, and the Spaniard appears set to arrive at N5 with Fabrizio Romano even giving his famous ‘here we go‘ to the deal.

With Arteta’s side set to formalise Zubimendi’s move by triggering his £51 million release clause, Berta has a key Arsenal item ticked off his agenda nice and early.

However, there is still plenty of work to do for the Italian, as it is reliably believed the Gunners are actively scouring for new forwards. Arsenal are looking at signing a new right-winger, left-winger and striker, with Athletic Bilbao starlet Nico Williams thought to be a top target.

The £170,000-per-week wide player is one of Europe’s most exciting talents, racking up an incredible 19 assists in all competitions last season and helping Spain to glory at Euro 2024.

Williams endured a slow start to the 24/25 campaign but picked up his form over the second half of the season, and his departure from Bilbao is highly anticipated.

In one of his “first acts” as sporting director, Berta held talks with Williams’ camp over a summer switch to Arsenal, according to The Guardian’s Ed Aarons.

Arsenal ahead of Liverpool in race to sign Nico Williams

He would arguably come as the perfect alternative to Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard on the left-hand side, and Williams’ contract includes a tantalising £49 million release clause.

As per journalist Graeme Bailey and The Boot Room, following Berta’s widely reported contact with the 22-year-old’s agents, it is believed that Arsenal remain frontrunners to sign Williams this summer, alongside Chelsea.

While Liverpool, Man City and Newcastle United have also contacted his camp, it is believed Arsenal and Enzo Maresca’s side are ahead of their Premier League rival trio as things stand.

Arteta and Berta appear to have the upper hand, but there is an aspect of caution to this transfer, as reports suggest Williams is set to demand a marquee salary to join any interested suitor – with The Mail even claiming that he wants around £400,000-per-week.

There can be no doubt in anyone’s mind over Williams’ obvious quality at this point, with legendary manager Jose Mourinho calling him a “unique” attacker, but the major obstacle could prove to be financial.