Arsenal are keen on signing a winger, and a top target appears to be Athletic Bilbao attacker Nico Williams.
The 21-year-old has shone in Spain this season, racking up eight goals and 19 assists across 37 appearances in all competitions, and helped Ernesto Valverde’s side win a historic Copa Del Rey title.
Williams has also been a standout performer for Spain at Euro 2024, and delivered a spectacular performance in their victory over Italy.
Arsenal have been keen on Williams for some time, as Mikel Arteta wants to add speed to his front line. A winger comfortable on both sides who can add pace and a dynamic goal threat would be ideal, and Williams fits the bill perfectly. However, a deal now looks close to impossible.
Arsenal target Nico Williams speaks out over transfer rumours
Speaking in an interview with RadiogacetaRNE, Williams reiterated his desire to stay at Athletic Club.
“I have already said that Bilbao is my home,” he stated.
“I just renewed recently and I’m very very happy here.”
Arsenal Insider revealed that Williams is more keen on a move to Barcelona than to Arsenal or the Premier League, but should this not materialise, it appears that he would happily stay at San Mames rather than push through for an alternative transfer.
Nico Williams in no hurry to leave Spain
If a move to Barcelona cannot be struck given their financial situation, then Williams will likely happily stay put at Athletic Club, who are competing in Europe next season.
Williams is playing alongside Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal for Spain, and the pair could recreate their partnership at the Camp Nou.
“We got along so well since my first day with the national team, and that bond has kept going until today,” Yamal stated of Williams recently.
“If I could sign a player from the national team for Barcelona? Nico Wiliams, for sure. He is one of those wingers who take you on and get past you. He is daring and talented, which helps any team in the world. I have a lot of fun playing with him as I think it helps us be tougher to defend.”
It therefore seems that despite Arteta’s interest in Williams, a move seems virtually impossible this summer, and Arsenal will have to eye up alternative targets, with Barcelona’s Raphinha and Ferran Torres both potentially on the table.