Arsenal have had Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams on their radar for over two years at this point. Now, finally, the Gunners could be on the cusp of landing their man.
While their hopes of landing the player had fallen last summer, when he was set to join Barcelona [via BBC Sport], their interest in him never waivered. Their paitience might just pay off, against the odds.
According to a recent report from TEAMtalk, Williams is now ‘considering his options’ at the San Mamés Stadium, despite having signed a massive 10-year contract at the end of last summer.
Williams is one of the most coveted wide players in the world – as such, Arsenal are not the only club to be currently monitoring his situation. Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United are also in the hunt, though the Gunners remain ‘confident’ of sealing a big-money deal by the end of the ongoing transfer window.
Recently, Williams has been cleared to take part in the 2026 World Cup, which commences today. Despite suffering from numerous injury problems throughout the season, which kept him out of action for the last three games of Bilbao’s La Liga campaign, it has been confirmed that he will be fit to play for Spain.
This could have ramifications on Arsenal’s pursuit of the player. If he enjoys a strong tournament, his stock will inevitably rise – making a potential acquistion all the more difficult. Still, as reiging Premier League champions, the Gunners have a lot of sway in the transfer market at present.
Nico Williams 2025/26 La Liga stats
Games Goals Assists Yellow Cards Red Cards
N. Williams 25 6 4 2 0
Last season was a difficult one for Williams. As we’ve previously mentioned, his campaign was blighted by various injuries, significantly impairing his overall output for Bilbao.
Nevertheless, 10 G/A across 25 games in one of Europe’s top leagues is nothing to be ashamed of. One might’ve expected a little more from him, but given the circumstances, it is a perfectly respectable tally.
He has never eclipsed the excellent showing he put in during the 23/24 season, during which he scored five goals and notched up an imoressive 13 assists in La Liga.
What would Nico Williams bring to Arsenal?
A lightning-quick winger with excellent dribbling ability and underrated physicality, Williams would be a fantastic addition to Arsenal’s array of attacking players.
The Gunners need to sign a left winger in the summer transfer window. With Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard potentially leaving the club in the coming weeks, they will be left noticeably scant in that position if they fail to snap up an adequate replacement.
Eberechi Eze is capable of fulfilling that role, but he generally functions as an attacking midfielder. Additionally, Max Dowman can also play there, but a team of Arsenal’s standing shouldn’t really be relying on a 16-year-old to drive them forward, no matter how talented he might be.
In many ways, Williams would be the perfect winger to fit Mikel Arteta’s style. With excellent movement and electric pace, he is adept at hitting teams on the break.