With Andrea Berta now installed as a key figure in Arsenal’s transfer hierarchy, and Mikel Arteta’s deep Spanish ties, it’s no surprise that La Liga is becoming a major hunting ground for the Gunners this summer.
According to El Nacional, Arsenal are eyeing a double swoop on Athletic Club – with star winger Nico Williams and attacking midfielder Oihan Sancet both in their sights.
Nico Williams has long been admired by Arteta, who is reportedly “obsessed” with the 21-year-old wide man. Dynamic, skilful, and dangerous in one-on-one situations, Williams has emerged as one of Europe’s most exciting wingers. With a €58million release clause, Arsenal appear to be leading the race to sign him as they aim to add genuine pace and penetration to their forward line. The Spain international looks a perfect fit for Arteta’s system, offering an outlet on the left and complementing Bukayo Saka on the opposite flank.
But Williams might not be the only Basque arrival. El Nacional claim that Arsenal also view Oihan Sancet as an “absolute priority”. The 24-year-old attacking midfielder has scored 15 La Liga goals this season and is in sensational form. At 6ft 2in, Sancet combines physical presence with technical finesse and excellent long-range shooting. He’s earned comparisons with the likes of Kai Havertz and Mikel Merino — ironically, two players Arsenal already have at their disposal.
This raises the question: do the Gunners really need another attacking midfielder right now? If a striker like Viktor Gyökeres arrives — a move Arsenal are also heavily linked with — Havertz would likely return to a more central midfield role, while Merino could provide depth. In that context, splashing more cash on a player like Sancet feels less essential.
There’s no doubting Sancet’s quality or potential, and under Arteta’s guidance he could become a major asset. But in terms of immediate priorities, a winger like Williams fills a more pressing need for Arsenal. Perhaps it makes sense to focus resources there, while keeping tabs on Sancet for a future window — especially if his trajectory continues upward.
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