Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams is reportedly willing to move to Bayern Munich this summer transfer window as they look to replace Leroy Sane in what would be a major blow to Arsenal.
The Gunners’ transfer window may have been put temporarily on pause after shutting on Tuesday ahead of reopening on Monday, but Arsenal will still be working hard for new additions. RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko is seen as the priority at this stage, while a winger, particularly on the left flank, is seen as key to a successful summer.
It is understood that one of the wingers that Arsenal were thought to be keen on is Williams after he impressed last summer at Euro 2024. He chose to remain in the Basque Country last year, but after a slightly quieter season this year, a move looks more likely for the forward.
Sensing their opportunity, Bayern have opened talks with Williams’ representatives, according to Sky Sport Deutschland. It is claimed the 22-year-old has told the Munich club’s sporting directors, Max Eberl and Christoph Freund, that he would be very open to joining their club this transfer window.
Bayern are understood to be keen on Williams after losing Sane this summer. The former Manchester City man was greeted in Istanbul this week after signing for Galatasaray.
If this were to happen, it would leave Arsenal with limited options on the left wing. AC Milan’s Rafael Leao is seen as another option that the Gunners could explore this summer should they wish to strengthen that area of the pitch.
All this comes on the backdrop of the Viktor Gyokeres saga which threatens to overshadow the entire summer transfer window. It is claimed the Sporting striker is currently unhappy with his club after they started to demand in excessive of £80m for his services.
It was reported during the season that a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ was in place that would allow Gyokeres to leave for a fee closer to £60m. After this declaration, Gyokeres decided to delete Sporting from his Instagram bio in a clear act of defiance against the Lisbon club.
Arsenal and Manchester United remain the two clubs most likely to sign Gyokeres with the Gunners clear that they want both Sesko and the Swede to join their ranks this summer.
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