Rafael Leao to Arsenal plan revealed as Andrea Berta handed Nico Williams update

The transfer window is fast approaching as the final game of the Premier League season is here.

While Arsenal will be gunning to finish the campaign on a high with a win away at rock-bottom Southampton on Sunday, attention is already turning to the summer, with the earlier-than-usual window opening due to the FIFA Club World Cup. Some targets, like Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, already appear poised for a potential move, but much of Arsenal’s summer transfer plan remains under wraps.

That uncertainty has fuelled plenty of speculation in recent weeks – with numerous names being linked with the club. With that in mind, football.london has rounded up some of the latest transfer news and rumours involving the Gunners;

Arsenal step up Rafael Leao pursuit

Arsenal have reportedly emerged as a possible destination for Portuguese international Rafael Leao this summer, with the forward expected to leave AC Milan. According to French outlet Foot Mercato, the Gunners are showing serious interest in the 25-year-old and have already made contact with the player regarding a possible move.

Leao, a product of Sporting CP’s academy, has developed into one of Europe’s most exciting attackers. After one season at Lille in 2018/19, he joined Milan, where he has remained a prominent figure.

This season, the winger has notched 12 goals and 13 assists in all competitions. However, it’s been a disappointing campaign for Milan, who sit mid-table in Serie A outside the European qualification spots, while they recently lost the Coppa Italia final to Bologna.

football.london says:Leao is clearly on the radar of Europe’s elite and would clearly be a statement signing for Arsenal. If the Gunners are serious about landing him, they’ll face strong competition, reportedly from Bayern Munich, who will be reeling after missing out on German sensation Florian Wirtz, with the player instead reportedly committing to Liverpool. Mikel Arteta appears keen to add another wide attacker to his squad, but to accommodate someone of Leao’s profile, Arsenal may need to part ways with either Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard.

Nico Williams exit verdict delivered

Athletic Club manager Ernesto Valverde is confident Nico Williams will remain at the club this summer – despite interest from several top European sides. The Spain international has long been tipped for a move away from his boyhood team, including last year, but his €58million release clause remains untouched.

Arsenal are among the clubs reportedly monitoring Williams – although Barcelona and Real Madrid are also said to be in the mix. Nonetheless, optimism is growing at San Mames that the winger will stay put for the 2024/25 season.

“I think he will be here, we suppose so,” Valverde told the Spanish press. “There are always rumours around many players, Nico included.

“Now it’s summer – time for spinning the wheel, with the Premier League and other European league… But we’re very happy with him, and he’s happy here. We hope it will be a great season for him at Athletic.”

football.london says:Whether or not Arsenal escalate their interest in Williams remains to be seen, but with a reasonable release clause, it would be no surprise to see clubs circling this summer. However, players from the Basque region often show strong loyalty to their clubs – as seen when Williams stayed put last summer despite intense interest. For Arsenal, the biggest challenge may be the fierce competition for his signature – if he does indeed choose to move on.