Nico Williams Transfer Twist Throws Arsenal Plans into Flux Amid Zubimendi Decision

Arsenal’s summer transfer plans face a major shake-up as key developments emerge around Williams and Zubimendi pursuits.

After many months of groundwork laid behind the scenes, Arsenal’s summer transfer plans are beginning to take shape—but not without a few unexpected turns.

With the club prioritising a new striker to power their title ambitions, fresh developments regarding Nico Williams and Martin Zubimendi could dramatically reshape the landscape in north London.

The Gunners’ interest in Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams has been long-standing, but the latest updates have introduced a level of uncertainty that could force Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu Gaspar into a strategic rethink.

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As the summer window heats up, competition for the Spanish winger’s signature is intensifying.

"Ben Jacobs adds the Spanish international is willing to accept a lower salary offer of €12m (£10m) per year just to join Barca, compared to rival offers on the table," Football.London writes.

Barca Blow and Bayern Battle

According to Spanish outlet SPORT, Barcelona—despite initially distancing themselves from a renewed pursuit of Williams—are back in contention.

The report reveals a surprise meeting between Williams’ agent, Felix Tainta, and Barca sporting director Deco. This has triggered a wave of speculation, particularly after claims that the player is open to lowering his wage demands in order to secure a dream move to the Nou Camp.

While Arsenal continue to monitor the situation, they are not alone. Bayern Munich have also reportedly increased their interest, making the race for the 22-year-old a three-way tussle.

Athletic Bilbao, meanwhile, are fighting to convince their academy graduate to extend his stay, hoping to ward off growing foreign interest with a lucrative contract renewal.

Football.london adds: "This is a rapidly evolving transfer saga by the looks of it. It would be a shame were Arsenal not to at least officially throw their hat in the ring for Williams as he is such a talent but, ultimately, the primary focus of this window - until it is completed - must be to sign a striker."

Zubimendi Deal Moves Closer

In more encouraging news for Arsenal, the chase for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi appears to be tilting in their favour.

A reported £55 million verbal agreement has been in place for weeks, though no official confirmation has yet followed. However, a significant hurdle seems to have been removed: Real Madrid have turned their focus elsewhere.

That decision could prove crucial. With Madrid's new head coach Xabi Alonso—a childhood idol of Zubimendi’s and fellow Real Sociedad alumnus—there had been growing fear that the Spanish giants would swoop in late to hijack the deal.

But reports now suggest Los Blancos have accepted defeat in this pursuit, leaving Arsenal in pole position to land one of their most-wanted midfielders.

"Work has been ongoing for months to secure the Spain midfielder's arrival this summer for £55m but, two weeks since the first summer transfer window opened, there has been no confirmation of his transfer yet."

If completed, Zubimendi’s arrival would add much-needed depth and control to Arsenal’s midfield, especially with European ambitions stretching the squad further in 2025.