Arsenal have been handed a potential blow in their transfer pursuit of Athletic Club star Nico Williams. Football.london understands that Mikel Arteta is a big admirer of the Spaniard and the Gunners' interest dates back to before his breakout displays at Euro 2024.
The addition of a wide forward is one aim for Arsenal in this summer's transfer window with Williams likely to be among those considered. Bryan Mbeumo, Kingsley Coman, Jamie Gittens and Leroy Sane have all been linked with a contract update seeing the chances of a move for the latter increasing.
Having spent a few years with Arteta at Manchester City, Germany international Sane could be open to a move back to the Premier League on a free transfer.
As for Williams, he still has a further two years remaining on his deal in the Basque region and thus there is no need to sell him this summer. Despite being knocked out of the Europa League at the semi-final stage, Athletic Club have still enjoyed a strong campaign.
Mixed results in La Liga have arrived in 2025 but three consecutive victories and clean sheets have seen them confirm a spot in next season's Champions League.
Athletic being back in Europe's top competition could serve as a potential blow to Arsenal's hopes of signing Williams as they cannot offer him something that he already has.
Interestingly though, Williams was not included in the matchday squad for their most recent victory against Valencia, as confirmed in a club announcement of their players that were selected by Ernesto Valverde. Williams has actually missed the four games before that as well due to injury.
Initially, it looked to be a minor issue but being absent for the last two-and-a-half weeks suggests it is more serious than that. While it is extremely unlikely, if the problem persists into the summer, Arsenal could look more intensely at alternatives.
According to transfermarkt, this is his ninth separate injury in the last two seasons and with the Gunners already being plagued by injuries, Arteta may want to avoid another potential concern going forward despite his admiration for the 22-year-old.