Arsenal have opened talks with Nico Williams’ camp as Mikel Arteta seeks to strengthen his attack.
The Bilbao winger has a £48m release clause, but competition is fierce.
ROME, ITALY - MARCH 06: Nico Williams of Athletic Club looks on as he warms up prior to the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Round of 16 First Leg match between AS Roma and Athletic Club at Stadio Olimpico on March 06, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images
Arsenal have reportedly opened talks with the representatives of Nico Williams as they look to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Athletic Bilbao winger, one of Europe’s most sought-after young forwards, has a release clause between £48m and £67m, making him a potentially astute acquisition for Mikel Arteta.
The 22-year-old Spanish international, who played a pivotal role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph, has caught the eye of multiple European powerhouses, including Bayern Munich, Chelsea, and Liverpool.
However, reports indicate that Arsenal have taken the first step, initiating discussions with his camp to gauge interest in a potential move to North London.
COLOGNE, GERMANY - JUNE 30: Nico Williams of Spain celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the UEFA EURO 2024 round of 16 match between Spain and Georgia at Cologne Stadium on June 30, 2024 in Cologne, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images
Williams, who operates primarily on the left wing but is comfortable across the frontline, would bring dynamism and directness to Arsenal’s attack, an area that has been exposed due to Bukayo Saka’s injury couple with those of Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.
Despite enduring an inconsistent season with his club, registering just four league goals and five assists in the league, his ceiling remains incredibly high, and his electrifying performances at the Euros solidified his reputation as one of the continent’s best wide talents.
BILBAO, SPAIN - OCTOBER 03: Nico Williams of Athletic Club runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Kristijan Belic of AZ Alkmaar during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD2 match between Athletic Club and AZ Alkmaar at Estadio de San Mames on October 03, 2024 in Bilbao, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images
With Arsenal’s title challenge faltering due to a lack of cutting edge in front of goal, Arteta and the club’s recruitment team are prioritising attacking reinforcements this summer.
Given the relative affordability of Williams’ release clause in today’s market, the club is expected to push forward with negotiations in the hopes they can secure the player before the summer transfer window officially opens.
With Williams having signed a new contract with Bilbao in late 2023, the release clause represents a clear opportunity for the Gunners to swoop in, provided they can convince the player of their project.
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