Nico Williams is a name who continues to be linked with a move to Arsenal over the summer transfer window with the Gunners on the search for a new winger before the start of the new season.
The 22-year-old has caught the eye with his performances for both Athletic Club and on the international stage with Spain. His performances in La Liga in the season just gone helped his boyhood club qualify for the Champions League next season.
football.london understands that Arsenal hold a long-term interest in Williams, dating back to before he caught the eye in the Europeans Championships last summer. But Arsenal aren’t the only club linked with the player.
Most recentl, Barcelona and Bayern Munich are the two clubs, along with Arsenal, linked with Williams. The winger has a £53 million release clause in his contract.
Amid lots of talks over his future and a potential move, here’s a look at the latest.
Barcelona message
Williams has shared his desire to join Barcelona with his international teammates, according to Spanish outlet Sport. The report says that while he’s not making it known publicly, privately the winger has made it clear to his teammates including Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Fermin and Pau Cubarsi, that he wants to make the move to Barca this summer.
It comes after reports that Williams representative has held a meeting with Barca football director Deco. However, it is claimed that Liverpool’s Luis Diaz remains a priority target for the Spanish giants.
Just after the reports of a meeting between Barca and Williams’ representative, Yamal sent a subtle hint. Taking to social media, he shared a image of him celebrating with Williams while on international duty on his Instagram story.
£53m decision
More reports in Spain claim that Arsenal are willing to pay Williams’ £53m release clause this summer to complete a deal. It is also added that the club have already offered the player a ‘high priced contract’.
The club, however, face competition from Bayern Munich who are willing to do the same.
But Williams is said to prefer to stay in Spain if he was to leave Athletic Club this summer.
Arsenal ‘plan B’
If Arsenal are unable to complete a move for Williams, then they already have an alternative plan in place. Bild journalist Christian Falk claims that AC Milan’s Rafael Leao is the club’s ‘plan B’ to Williams.
The Portuguese international looks likely to be a target for several clubs this summer after AC Milan failed to qualify for Europe. He scored eight goals and provided 10 assists in 34 Serie A appearances in the 2024/25 campaign.
Join the football.london Arsenal WhatsApp channel
Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
Join our Arsenal WhatsApp channel and get all the latest breaking news, opinion, podcasts and in-depth stories from football.london's dedicated Arsenal writers straight to your phone!
By following this free service you will be the first to know the news from the Emirates Stadium as it happens, when it happens.
To join our dedicated Arsenal channel, all you have to do is click this link and you can join thousands of others following our Gunners coverage!
If you're curious, you can check out our privacy policy here.