ANDREA BERTA is ready to raid LaLiga for talent this summer - with Nico Williams in his sights.
The new Arsenal sporting director is bracing for a busy first few months in the job.
Italian Berta, 53, was appointed as Edu's successor earlier this month.
And he's got straight to work in planning for a radical overhaul at the Emirates.
The former Atletico Madrid chief reportedly met with Williams' representatives earlier this week.
It was one of Berta's first acts in his new role, where he is tasked with making Arsenal consistent title challengers.
Berta set up a meeting with the 22-year-old’s agent Felix Tainta, according to The Guardian.
Williams, a tricky and exciting winger, has been a long-term target for the Gunners.
He has helped Bilbao reach the quarter finals of the Europa League this season, netting 8 times in 35 games.
Arsenal approached Bilbao over a move last summer after Williams had broken England's hearts in the Euro 2024 final.
But they were told the Spaniard was keen to stay in LaLiga for at least another season.
Williams has a release clause of £48.4million and the outlet claims he is pushing for a move.
Barcelona, Chelsea and Bayern Munich are all set to rival Arsenal for his signature.
Berta has wasted no time in getting his feet under the table in North London.
He has already drawn up an exciting shortlist as he looks to provide Mikel Arteta with a true No9.
Arsenal look set to finish second in the Premier League for a third consecutive season.
And their lack of depth in attacking areas has been laid bare by a crowded injury room this term.
Isak looks set to stay in the North East with Newcastle unlikely to sell their prized asset.
While Berta has also put Sporting Lisbon goal machine Viktor Gyokeres on his wishlist.
The former Coventry forward is one of Europe's most in-demand players after netting 42 goals in his last 42 games.
Arteta appeared upbeat as he discussed the upcoming transfer window ahead of Tuesday's 2-1 win over Fulham.
He said: "It's going to be a big one and we are very excited about it.
"When you are going to go again, we want to increase the depth of the squad and the quality and the skills that we need to go to the next step.
"Every summer is big because it is an opportunity and especially because of the number of players we have in the squad right now, that is necessary.
"But it's a big summer for many things because first of all we have to maintain the good foundations that we have and then obviously how can we improve and evolve the team."