Liverpool transfer news: Arsenal battling Reds for La Liga winger

Liverpool face competition from title rivals Arsenal in their pursuit of Athletic Club winger Nico Williams.

The 11-cap Spanish international, who is brother of fellow Athletic Club star Inaki Williams, has been linked with the Reds regularly in the past, although he recently signed a contract extension with the Basque club last December.

The 21-year-old has produced five goals and ten assists in 24 appearances this season, taking his tally of goal contributions up to 34 since breaking into the Athletic Club first team.

The speedy winger has naturally caught the eye of Europe's elite and Liverpool will have to fend off significant interest from Arsenal if they want to sign Nico Williams in the near future.

According to The Mirror, the Gunners see Williams as a potential back-up to Bukayo Saka, but the attacker won't come cheap having just penned a new deal in Bilbao.

However, Athletic Club insist that Williams, who has also been touted with potential switches to Real Madrid and Aston Villa, is not for sale and they expect the youngster to 'show his loyalty' to them after agreeing a new contract.

The forward is not the only Spanish international that is interesting both Liverpool and Arsenal, with the pair of Premier League giants also eyeing Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

Anfield Watch understands that Liverpool would be willing to splash the £51m needed to activate Zubimendi's release clause and are willing to battle Arsenal for the 25-year-old's signature this summer.

However, Liverpool's transfer plans are likely to be strongly influenced by whoever takes over from Jurgen Klopp in the Anfield dugout.