Arsenal are willing to pay Nico Williams' release clause to sign him in January
Arsenal have been significantly hampered by Bukayo SakaThe hamstring injury required surgery and will rule him out for about two months. His sacking has been an excuse for the Gunners to bring forward their planned acquisition of a winger and it looks increasingly likely that Mikel Arteta You will soon have a new face on your staff.
According to football transfersArsenal have been in talks with Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams and his entourage and are “ready to activate” his £48m release clause to get a deal done quickly. Barcelona They were admirers of the player but the first division The team's quick approach could benefit them in the race, while the La Liga giants are also not in the best financial position to execute a deal.
The report adds that Williams has emerged as a cost-effective solution ahead of AC Milan's Rafael Leao, another player the Londoners were monitoring. The Portugal international has reportedly commanded a fee in the region of £65m, prompting Arsenal to prioritize acquiring Williams this month.
A high quality addition to the Arsenal squad
Until Arsenal can officially secure another winger, Mikel Arteta will be forced to use Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard interchangeably on the right flank. Raheem Sterling hasn't exactly lived up to expectations since arriving on loan from Chelsea and consequently, it is not the most reliable option, especially in the Premier League and champions league.
The potential signing of Nico Williams carries the risk of Arsenal's left wing becoming an overcrowded position, with the 22-year-old also preferring that role. However, he previously stood out on the right flank for Athletic Bilbao. Additionally, given that he would be the youngest of all of Arsenal's wingers, it would be easier for him to adapt to a slightly different role to the others.
If Arsenal pay Nico Williams' release clause, there is little Athletic Bilbao will be able to do to retain him beyond the winter, although it remains to be seen if the player is willing to make the move mid-season. In any case, he would be a world-class signing for the Gunners and a player they can count on for most of the next decade.
Williams has always been a revered talent in La Liga, but earned high praise for his performances at Euro 2024 for Spain. He has He scored two goals and gave five assists. in the Spanish top flight this season and although his numbers don't make the most attractive reading, especially compared to last season, his impact on the field has been influential in Athletic Club's season so far.
