Arsenal have been “given fresh hope” that Nico Williams would be interested in a move to the Emirates this summer, according to reports.
TEAMtalk claim that a “blockbuster transfer” could be on the cards after the World Cup, with the Spanish international now considering his future at Athletic Bilbao.
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Williams only signed a mammoth 10-year contract with the Basque side last year, but he didn’t have a particularly productive campaign at San Mames.
Athletic finished 12th, just three points above the relegation places, while Ernesto Valverde left his position as manager after four years in charge.
Williams had a rather indifferent season himself, scoring 6 goals and providing 7 assists in all competitions.
Arsenal are keeping tabs on him (along with 3 other PL teams)
The Gunners are very much in the market for a left winger. Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers has been heavily linked, as has Juventus’s Kenan Yildiz.
However, Rogers is expected to cost a sizeable sum, while the London club’s enquiries for Yildiz were swiftly knocked back.
Sporting director Andrea Berta is aware that there are only a few elite wingers on the market, of which Williams is one.
Of course, if he does signal his intention to leave Athletic, there will be other suitors. Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City are also believed to be monitoring his situation.
Williams would be keen on a Premier League switch
Last summer, prior to signing a contract extension, the 23-year-old was linked with English teams, but it appeared as if Barcelona were his preferred destination.
The Catalan club are unlikely to sign another wide player, having just recruited Anthony Gordon from Newcastle, so that avenue is now closed to Williams.
However, TEAMtalk report that sources close to the player have told them that he is “open to testing himself” in English football. It is definitely a transfer story to keep a close eye on once the World Cup is over.
Read more about the Arsenal First Team Squad for 2025/26 here