Arsenal latest: Nicolo Tresoldi transfer stance emerges as £77m target addresses interest

Arsenal are being linked with attacking reinforcements after a lacklustre summer, with updates emerging on two star targets as the Gunners look to forge a new legacy of success

Mikel Arteta is pursuing further silverware with Arsenal while planning how to strengthen his squad for the seasons ahead. The Gunners are firmly in contention to win successive league titles for the first time in more than 90 years.

A trip to Liverpool on Sunday presents a major test of their Premier League ambitions. The result could offer a clearer indication of Arsenal's ability to hold on to top spot as the campaign progresses, though Manchester City still lead for the time being.

Williams sets record straight

Athletic Club's Nico Williams has railed against suggestions from his agent implying he was instrumental in keeping the forward in Bilbao. Furthermore, the World Cup winner has acknowledged previous discussions with Arsenal and his choice to reject the Gunners.

Barcelona were understood to be especially keen on the 24-year-old following his Euro 2024 triumph with Spain. Nevertheless, he put pen to paper on a fresh 10-year deal with Athletic in July 2025, which included an enhanced £77million release clause.

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Williams' agent, Felix Tainta, recently featured on the Los Fulanos podcast and likewise acknowledged interest from Arsenal, Barca, Liverpool and PSG in recent years. However, the player took issue with Tainta's account that he needed substantial persuasion to stay in Bilbao.

"My brother was clear in what he said. It's difficult when your name gets caught up in things like this," he said. "Felix was wrong in the words he used; that's not how things happened. The final decision rests with me, my brother, and my family. What happens at home is something only we know."

He added: "I have never had any doubts about being here; I've had countless offers and could have left, but I've always been clear that I wanted to stay.

"My intention is to stay here; there's no doubt about that. I told Barça, Arsenal, PSG and many others that I'm staying here. I hope people understand that. Despite the anger some people might have felt after his statements, nobody can say that I don't want to be here. I made the decision.

"Nobody forced me. I had offers from Barca and other teams in Europe such as PSG or Arsenal, and I said no to all of them to be here. People can say whatever they want. As simple as that. I have nothing to worry about. And I hope people understand."

Tresoldi 'not for sale'

Club Brugge have seemingly cautioned interested parties against pursuing a move for 22-year-old striker prospect Nicolo Tresoldi this winter. The development follows reports that Arsenal were prepared to return to the club for another purchase in early 2027.

The Gunners acquired £34m winger Christos Tzolis from Brugge in the summer and the Greek star hit the ground running before injury struck. And it appears that may have proved sufficient to persuade the club another acquisition could flourish in the Premier League.

However, Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad has reported the current Pro League champions have notified potential buyers their player is not for sale. Arsenal were associated with several forwards during the summer but ultimately placed their faith in Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres.

An unidentified Club Brugge board member is quoted as stating: "There is and will be no price for Nicolo." Tresoldi, meanwhile, remains in excellent scoring form in Belgium following an impressive maiden campaign at Brugge.

The Italy-born Germany under-21 international found the net 23 times in 58 matches across all competitions last term after joining from Hannover 96. He's positioned to surpass that figure comprehensively this term after scoring 12 goals in his opening 14 appearances.

That's resulted in heightened attention from Europe's elite clubs. Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City are supposedly among the clubs also linked with his signature.