Barcelona have decided to activate Arsenal target Nico Williams' release clause, with the Athletic Club winger giving priority to Hansi Flick's side, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Gunners are in the market for new additions in attack, with Williams identified as one of their priority targets. Mikel Arteta is said to be a huge fan of the Spanish forward, but they may have to search for an alternative with Barcelona in the race to secure his signature.
Bukayo Saka is undoubtedly Arsenal's best attacking option, but Arteta has regularly rotated who plays on the other flank. The likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard have been deployed in Arsenal's front three, but neither player have set the world alight in recent years..
Barcelona Activate Arsenal Target's Release Clause
Williams wants Barcelona move
Nico Williams celebrating after scoring for Athletic Bilbao
According to Italian journalist Romano, Barcelona have now decided to activate Williams' release clause, after the Athletic Club winger gave total priority to Flick's side. The Catalan giants now need to discuss the terms of the release clause, while a deal is not advanced yet.
Nico Williams's Premier League statistics - Bilbao squad ranking
Stats
Appearances
Goals
Key Passes Per Game
Shots Per Game
Dribbles Per Game
Match rating
It's a crucial blow for the Gunners, with Arsenal having Williams at the 'top' of their list. Barcelona have now swooped in to try and secure a deal, and it appears the Spanish international would prefer a move to Barcelona than the Premier League.
It remains to be seen whether Arsenal were too slow to make a move for Williams or whether he gave little indication that he wanted to join the north London club in the summer transfer window. Williams clearly has his heart set on joining Barcelona, and it's back to the drawing board for Arteta and his recruitment team as they aim to strengthen their squad after a disappointing campaign in the Premier League, which saw them miss out on the Premier League title to Liverpool.
Sign up to The GIVEMESPORT Report to get exclusive daily updates from Fabrizio Romano, Ben Jacobs, Dean Jones and Tom Bogert sent straight to your inbox.
Mikel Arteta Related
Arsenal Make Shock Contact to Sign £397,000-a-Week Champions League Winner
Arsenal have reportedly made a surprise enquiry for the former Manchester City defender.
Statistics courtesy of WhoScored. Correct as of 17-06-25.