World-class Forward Likely To Snub Bayern Munich In Favour Of Arsenal

Image credit: Getty Images

Arsenal are reportedly ahead of Bayern Munich in the pursuit of Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, as the Gunners look to revamp their attacking options this summer.

Mikel Arteta’s side have struggled in the final third during the 2024/25 campaign, with injuries and a lack of firepower proving costly in their Premier League title charge. The situation has been so dire that midfielder Mikel Merino has been deployed as a makeshift striker in recent weeks, covering for the sidelined Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz.

Jesus is recovering from an ACL injury, while Havertz is out with a hamstring issue, leaving Arsenal without a recognised centre-forward. As a result, reinforcing the attack has become a top priority, with long-term target Williams emerging as a serious option for the summer transfer window.

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However, Arsenal may face competition from Bayern Munich, who also hold an interest in the Spanish international. The Bundesliga giants, though, must first offload players to finance any potential deal, giving the North London club an early advantage in the race.

***Nico Williams (Image credit: Getty Images)***

Transfer expert Christian Falk confirmed Arsenal’s lead in the chase for Williams, telling CaughtOffside: “It’s not true that Bayern Munich are in the lead for Nico Williams. I think, at the moment, Williams is closer to a move to Arsenal than Bayern Munich, as the Bundesliga club can’t be as concrete as they would like as things currently stand.”

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Bayern sporting director, Max Eberl, is reportedly looking to sell Kingsley Coman—who has been linked with Tottenham, Newcastle, and clubs in Saudi Arabia—to raise funds for a move. Serge Gnabry is also on the transfer list, but no concrete interest has emerged for the former Arsenal winger.

For Arsenal, Williams’ arrival would address a key issue in their attack. Despite Gabriel Martinelli’s contributions, the 21-year-old Spaniard will bring another dimension to their attack and ease the attacking burden on Bukayo Saka who is often double marked during games.