Arsenal have renewed contact with Athletic Club over winger Nico Williams, as sporting director Andrea Berta explores whether a summer deal can be struck for one of Europe's most electrifying wide forwards, according to TEAMtalk.

The Gunners are determined to add quality on the left flank before the transfer window shuts. After setbacks in other targets, Williams has re-emerged at the top of manager Mikel Arteta's wishlist.

World Cup final hero

Williams capped an eventful summer by playing a decisive role in Spain's World Cup final triumph over Argentina — a victory sealed after extra time. The 23-year-old entered the match from the bench and produced the decisive moment, flicking a clever nod-back from a tight angle that set up Ferran Torres to fire home the winner.

He had also come off the bench in the semi-final, demonstrating his ability to influence the biggest matches even without a starting berth. It was a performance that underlined the quality manager Luis de la Fuente had trusted all along.

Club season disrupted by injury

Williams managed just 20 LaLiga starts for Athletic Club during the club campaign after injury disruption, but his return to fitness came at precisely the right moment — convincing the Spain coaching staff to bring him to the World Cup, where he delivered when it mattered most.

Release clause within Arsenal's reach

Williams has been a marquee name in European football since helping Spain lift Euro 2024. That summer, Barcelona appeared set to sign him, only for the move to collapse. He subsequently ended the speculation by committing to Athletic Club on a new long-term contract.

However, TEAMtalk understands that contract contains a release clause of approximately £77 million (€90m, $104m) — a figure comfortably within Arsenal's financial range, as well as that of several other Premier League rivals.

Arsenal have long admired Williams, and with Berta now holding talks over a potential move, the Gunners appear ready to test whether Athletic Club's exit clause can finally be triggered this summer.