Arsenal have been told that Nico Williams is ready to leave Athletic Club de Bilbao this summer by intermediaries, according to TEAMtalk.
The Gunners were keen to add a left-winger to the squad last season and had the Spain international as a prime target, only for Williams to instead opt to sign a new long-term contract with his boyhood club that almost doubled his release clause up to €100m (£87m).
That saw the north London club instead move to sign Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze, but the 23-year-old is now ready to consider an exit just 12 months after penning a ten-year contract, and that has alerted Arsenal once more.
Nico Williams Unhappy at Bilbao, Arsenal Lurking
Nico Williams
Nico Williams
Williams, who has been described as 'absolutely frightening', is said to be unhappy at Athletic Club due to their poor performances this season, and he has grown frustrated at their inability to match his ambitions on the pitch.
Intermediaries have now made contact with a number of clubs to make them aware of his openness to a new challenge, and Arsenal are one club who have been explicitly named as a potential destination, with it well known that Williams was seen as a 'dream signing' by Arteta last year.
Andrea Berta and the recruitment team at the Emirates Stadium are understood to have been looking at left-wing options at Arteta's request, with the future of Gabriel Martinelli currently uncertain.
Arsenal Weigh Up £87m Bid
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
Part of the appeal of Williams' arrival last summer was the value for money, with his release clause being set at £51m. However, any deal this year would cost around £87m due to his new release clause, and the Gunners are weighing up whether it would be worthwhile.
It's understood the player is shopping himself around Europe's top clubs, so there will be plenty of competition for his signature. But those clubs are not guaranteed to be open to paying the price, and the report states that they will all weigh up the cost against his age, potential, and value for money compared to other available options..
Williams a Martinelli Upgrade?
Gabriel Martinelli
Gabriel Martinelli
GIVEMESPORT asked ChatGPT if Williams would be an upgrade on Martinelli in the current Arsenal side, and this was its response:
Nico Williams offers more 1v1 threat and creativity, with higher chance creation and expected-threat metrics in some comparisons.
He’s widely praised for pace and directness, bringing unpredictability on the wing.
Gabriel Martinelli has stronger aerial presence and proven Premier League output, including past double-digit goal seasons.
Martinelli also contributes defensively and fits Arsenal’s pressing structure.
Overall: Williams could add flair and creativity, but it’s more a stylistic upgrade than a clear all-round one.
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