Arsenal have 'opened talks' with player for transfer that would be 'coup of the summer'

Arsenal have reportedly opened talks with one of hottest prospects in world football as their search for reinforcements at the top end of the pitch appears to be gathering pace ahead of this summer's transfer window.

The Gunners are in Premier League action this afternoon as they take on Chelsea at the Emirates.

Mikel Arteta's side can cut the deficit to leaders Liverpool to 12 points should they beat Enzo Maresca's side, through many are of the view that the Premier League trophy is heading to Anfield this season.

Many fans and commentators feel that Arsenal's lack of a recognised prolific striker combined with an injury crisis which has left Arteta short of options in the final third of the pitch has ultimately cost the Gunners in top flight title race this season.

Kai Havertz has joined Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka on the treatment table to leave them without three of their most potent attacking talents, while the Gunners failed to add reinforcements in the January transfer window.

The North London outfit failed with an approach for Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins and Arteta himself admitted the Gunners were 'disappointed' they were unable to bolster their striking ranks in January.

But the Gunners appear to be working on added to their final third ranks with a Euro 2024 winner.

Nico Williams. (Image: Getty)

According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal have made contact with the representatives of Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams over a possible move to the Emirates this summer.

The 22-year-old has 29 goals in 158 games for the Basque Country club since making his debut in 2021.

And he has four goals in 24 caps for Spain, with one of those strikes coming in the Euro 2024 final victory over England last summer.

The winger's contract at Bilbao runs until the summer of 2027 as things stand and his release clause is reported to be within the region of between £48m and £67m.

However, the Gunners are said to be unlikely to be alone in their chase for Williams, with the likes of Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Liverpool also linked with a move for the winger.

Speaking recently to France Football, despite the speculation linking him with a move to North London, Williams himself has made it clear he is happy at Bilbao.

He said: "This relationship we have at the heart of the club is incredible. Everyone respects everyone else, which is incredible.

"This atmosphere, I'll never have it anywhere else. I decided to stay because of that. I took the decision I thought was the right one. I'm happy, and I'm trying to do my best."