Andrea Berta moving swiftly to secure Arsenal an exciting attacking signing

Arsenal's new sporting director Andrea Berta has already laid the groundwork for the club to sign Athletic Club's Nico Williams this summer.

Berta has been a busy man since his appointment was made official on Sunday, with the experienced Italian succeeding Edu Gaspar, who left the club last November.

He arrives in plenty of time for a crucial summer window at the Emirates, with Arsenal requiring a revolution in attack and a refresh in midfield, given the likely exits of Thomas Partey and Jorginho. The Gunners have been strongly linked with Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi, and it's understood that Berta is a big fan of Bruno Guimaraes, whom he tried to bring to Atletico Madrid on several occasions.

Reports have also broken in the past week regarding Arsenal's striker search. Alexander Isak is Mikel Arteta's favourite, but the new director is bullish on Viktor Gyokeres and the Gunners are said to be developing a serious interest in the Sporting CP hitman. An improvement in wide areas is also required, and Berta is working on a familiar target.

Andra Berta has already opened talks with Nico Williams ahead of potential summer move

Arsenal have been linked with Spanish international Williams in recent windows without a move ever coming close to fruition. However, the winger is still on the market, and a serious push from the Gunners is expected this summer.

According to The Guardian's Ed Aarons, Berta, in one of his first acts as sporting director, has held talks with Williams' agent Félix Tainta over a move.

While the 22-year-old was content to remain in Bilbao off the back of a majestic Euro 2024 campaign, he's more open to leaving at the end of the 2024/25 season. Williams started off slow but has come into his own in recent weeks. He currently has nine La Liga goal involvements in 25 outings, and another six in ten Europa League games.

Over the past year, Williams ranks in the 95th and 98th percentiles for progressive carries (6.0) and successful take-ons per 90 minutes (3.43) when ranked against attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe's top five leagues. The Spaniard is a talent capable of lighting up any stage, and he's only going to get better.

His release clause at Athletic is believed to be just shy of £50m - it'll have to be paid in full - and his wages are also reportedly high - around £180,000 a week, per Capology.

Arsenal are seemingly the frontrunners at this early stage, but Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Chelsea have also been linked with the 22-year-old.

READ THE LATEST ARSENAL NEWS HERE!