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Bayern Munich reportedly have Williams and Bradley Barcola on their shortlist
The German champions are expected to press ahead with a move for Williams
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By MICHAEL PAVITT
Published: 06:57 EDT, 10 June 2025 | Updated: 06:58 EDT, 10 June 2025
Bayern Munich have reportedly moved ahead of Arsenal in the race to sign Nico Williams after making the winger their top target for the summer transfer window.
The German champions were dealt a blow last month with the news that Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz preferred a move to join Premier League winners Liverpool.
While the Reds are seeking to finalise a deal for Wirtz, Bayern have reportedly turned their interests elsewhere.
BILD reporter Christian Falk stated that Bayern have interest in both Athletic Club's Williams and PSG's Bradley Barcola.
Bayern are reportedly set to press ahead with their interest in Williams, with chiefs prepared to trigger his €60million (£51m) release clause.
Williams is said to be earning around £6.7million per year at Athletic Club, but the Spain international is claimed to have indicated he will lower his demands to secure a move to Bayern.
Bayern Munich have reportedly made Spain star Nico Williams their top summer target
The German champions want to add Williams to Vincent Kompany's squad
Mikel Arteta's Arsenal have been credited with an interest in the winger
Williams has reportedly indicated he would reduce his wage demands in order to join Bayern
Arsenal have also been credited with an interest in Williams should a deal prove financially viable.
The 22-year-old winger played 45 times in all competitions for Athletic Club last season, scoring 11 goals and providing seven assists.
Williams had played a key role in Spain’s European Championships triumph last year, starting six of their seven matches in Germany.
The winger scored Spain’s opening goal in the 2-1 final victory over England in Berlin.
Williams has so far made 28 appearances for the national team and has scored six goals.
Bayern would need to complete a deal today for Williams to be eligible to feature at the Club World Cup, making a move after the special summer transfer window seem a more likely prospect.