Arsenal have been told that Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams is considering a transfer away from the club next summer. Williams is a long term target for Arsenal, with the Gunners tracking the player for a few seasons and making contact last summer.
The Spain international opted to stay at the San Mames, signing a massive 10-year extension with Bilbao. The contract carried a release clause in the region of €100m, but the player is now considering his future following a disappointing campaign for Bilbao.
Williams is a product of Athletic’s academy, and has made 195 appearances for the club, scoring 35 goals and adding 36 assists. He also has 30 caps for Spain. The 23-year-old is reportedly ready to test himself at the highest level, and feels his club are not matching his ambitions.
TEAMtalk has reported that intermediaries close to the player’s camp have informed Arsenal as well as other interested clubs about his possible availability. Arsenal and Barcelona are the clubs the most appeal to the player, and are considered the frontrunners for his signature at this point.
The historic pull of Barcelona is attractive to the player, while Arsenal’s style of play has also caught the player’s attention. Arsenal may have the advantage, as their financial position remains healthy and robust.
Arsenal given Williams boost
Arsenal’s recruitment team have been working on left-sided reinforcements amid uncertainty around the futures of Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli. The former has enjoyed the lion share of minutes on the left flank for Arsenal this season, and leads the team in assists in the Premier League.
Martinelli has proved a valuable squad member as well, with many important goals from the substitute’s bench this season. Still questions remain about that area of the pitch for the Gunners, with many believing too much of the play is focused on Bukayo Saka on the right.
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Bertha is reportedly scouting wingers with pace, directness, and the ability to press from the front. Williams fits the profile, and has been added to the club’s internal shortlist.
Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are also reportedly keen on the player. The €100m clause is believed to be more of a starting point for negotiations rather than a firm figure, and interested parties will be hoping to negotiate a lower fee.
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