Mikel Arteta is keen for Arsenal to win the transfer race (Picture: Getty)

Mikel Arteta is keen to strengthen in the wide attacking areas this summer and has identified Williams, 22, as a top target.

Williams enjoyed another productive campaign for La Liga side Bilbao and has also been linked with Barcelona, Chelsea and Bayern Munich.

Arsenal are working to bring a new striker to the Emirates Stadium, holding talks with Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.

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But a winger is also at the top of Arteta’s wishlist and Arsenal have made a ‘decisive move’ for Williams, according to Sport.

It is claimed the Gunners are offering Williams a contract worth £7.6m-a-year – more than Barcelona are willing to pay.

Nico Williams is keen to join Barcelona (Picture: Getty)

Arsenal have also indicated they are ready to meet Williams’ 62m euros (£53m) release clause, though the winger still has his heart set on a move to Barcelona.

In fact, another report from Sport says Williams has ruled out leaving Athletic Bilbao for any other club other than Barca.

With that in mind, Williams is now expected to either head to the Nou Camp or sign a contract extension at Bilbao, the club he first joined at the age of 11.

Barcelona sporting director Deco (Picture: Getty)

Williams is keen to remain in Spain and has held positive talks with Barcelona, who are open to a deal but only for the right price.

Hansi Flick has also spoken with Williams privately and encouraged him to make the move to the La Liga champions.

According to reports in Spain, Williams is even ready to take a hit on his salary to join Barcelona as he is desperate to play for the club and keen to link up with several of his international teammates, including close pal Lamine Yamal.

Barca also interested in Rashford and Diaz

The potential stumbling block for Williams is Barcelona’s continued interest in Liverpool forward Luis Diaz and Manchester United winger Marcus Rashford.

Diaz is believed to be the first-choice target for Barca transfer chief Deco but Liverpool have said the Colombian is not for sale.

A productive loan spell at Aston Villa has made Rashford an attractive proposal once more after he was exiled by United boss Ruben Amorim.

Staying at his boyhood club for another season remains a possibility and Bilbao have already offered Williams a new contract with a pay rise and a higher release clause.

However, given the level of interest from the likes of Barcelona and Arsenal, Bilbao accept their star player may decide to leave this summer.

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