Nico Williams to Arsenal transfer update emerges as contact made for £87m signing

Athletic Club and Spain attacker Nico Williams is expected to be the subject of another intense transfer saga following revelations about his stance on his future

Arsenal have been offered encouragement in their hopes of signing Athletic Club star Nico Williams in the summer. The Gunners were one of the teams reportedly showing serious interest in the Spain international nearly 12 months ago.

Mikel Arteta is a known admirer of Williams after his impressive displays in La Liga. After helping Spain win the European Championships in 2024, the attacker had a fine 2024/25 season, helping Athletic qualify for the Champions League.

However, after Arsenal and Barcelona both flirted with the idea of activating his £50million release clause, Williams shut down any speculation of a move by signing a new contract at the San Mames Stadium in July.

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Athletic announced an agreement with their most-prized asset that included a new release clause, now 'more than 50% more than it was previously'.

The 23-year-old's season has been disrupted with injuries this term and Athletic's position to sell him could weaken in the summer if they fail to qualify for Europe.

Now, TEAMtalk has reported that intermediaries have informed Arsenal that Williams is ready to consider a summer move. The report states that the Gunners are one of a handful of elite clubs that have been briefed on his availability.

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Williams, despite signing a 10-year contract in Spain, is reportedly expected to cost around £87m (€100m).

It's also claimed that Athletic's difficult season, with them currently sitting ninth in La Liga, does not align with the winger's ambitions, and the prospect of challenging himself at the highest level could be a contributing factor.

Arsenal strengthened their left wing spot last summer with Eberechi Eze, but the England international has mainly been utilised more centrally. Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli have been Arteta's preferred selections, contributing to 16 goals and eight assists between them.

However, the north Londoners are expected to face competition for Williams. Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United are among the teams informed of the player's consideration, alongside Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich.

RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande is another wide attacker reportedly on Arsenal's shortlist this summer. The 19-year-old has had a better season than Williams in Germany, though the Bundesliga outfit will demand nearly £90m.