Arsenal are actively pursuing Athletic Club winger Nico Williams this summer, while simultaneously facing potential competition from Real Madrid for defender Riccardo Calafiori, according to recent reports. Williams, 23, has attracted the Gunners’ attention despite previously rejecting a move and signing a new contract with Bilbao last summer, which includes a €90 million release clause.
TEAMtalk reports that Williams is evaluating his options following the 2026 World Cup, viewing the tournament as a platform to reaffirm his status as a top young talent after a challenging season. Arsenal’s director Andrea Berta reportedly identifies Williams as a key target to bolster the left wing position. The club has maintained a long-standing interest in the player.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid are considering a move for Calafiori as a replacement for the departed David Alaba, with the Italian capable of playing both left-back and centre-back. The Athletic reports that while Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol was also a target, he is now expected to sign a new contract with City and remain at the club. This development could prompt Madrid to accelerate their pursuit of Calafiori, despite Arsenal’s reluctance to sell. Italian journalist Nicolo Schira has confirmed a meeting already took place between Madrid and Calafiori’s agent, with manager Jose Mourinho reportedly approving the potential transfer.
In other Arsenal transfer news, Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers has acknowledged the speculation linking him with a move to the Emirates Stadium. Speaking while on international duty with England, Rogers stated that while transfer rumors initially affected him earlier in his career, he is now focused on his football and views the attention as a positive.
Additionally, Arsenal are reportedly nearing agreements to sign teenage prospects Jeremy Monga from Leicester City and Emmanuel Mbemba from Paris Saint-Germain. Personal terms with Monga, 16, are said to be close to being finalized, while talks with Mbemba, 18, whose contract with PSG expires this summer, are progressing well.
