Arsenal handed familiar Nico Williams transfer boost as major double deal hints at next move

Arsenal as they seek attacking reinforcements this summer.

Reports in France have claimed that 's new sporting director, Andrea Berta, . flag-up heavy-handed interest from Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Arsenal in Williams.

The Spain star now appears likely to leave his boyhood club this summer. The reports hint at a possible summer move for the winger - with 's squad struggling with injuries in attack this season. football.london understand that Arsenal have had a long-standing interest in the Spanish player who has scored nine goals across all competitions so far this season for Bilbao.

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And their hopes of striking a deal will have been boosted at the news of 's continued financial struggles. The Covid pandemic and stadium renovations have seen board members cough up millions to keep the club within the Spanish top-flight's financial fair play rules.

Those problems continue to emerge , because the Catalan giants did not meet a December 31 deadline on financial controls. The Spanish sports council upheld that decision on Thursday, but Olmo and Victor face uncertain futures at the Camp Nou beyond this season.

La Liga have previously said that Barcelona still did not comply with the salary limit set. They are also said to be reporting the club's former auditors after €100million (around £85m) effectively disappeared from their accounts, according to .

It's a mess which further highlights the problem Barcelona are likely to face if they are looking to secure a deal for Williams. Just how can they afford the reported £51m transfer fee plus wages to sign him without selling several of their stars?

A deal could, possibly, be agreed and yet the Gunners appear to be in a much stronger position. The question will be whether he would favour a move to north London or be prepared to wait at Bilbao until Barca are in a position to sign him further down the line.

The latter decision would be risky for Williams with players having a short career and, aged 22, he will soon be entering his prime - if he isn't already there. Arsenal are in an excellent position, while Berta's arrival should only strengthen there hopes of a pulling off a fantastic signing.