Arsenal have increased their interest in signing Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, according to CaughtOffside.
The Spain international, who earned 13 caps, had an outstanding season in the recently concluded La Liga campaign. He contributed 22 goals in all competitions for Ernesto Valverde's side and was also a key player in Bilbao's Copa del Rey triumph.
According CaughtOffsideArsenal are planning to sign the winger this month with Mikel Arteta showing great interest in the player. The report adds that Arsenal will “step up” their efforts to sign Williams in the coming days.
However, the Gunners face tough competition as Williams is widely admired across Europe, with Manchester, Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham hotspur and Barcelona everything indicates interest in the player, according to the report.
CaughtOffside He also reports that Arsenal are showing the “utmost interest” in securing the Spaniard's services as they look to strengthen their attacking ranks ahead of next season.
Williams' contract at the San Mamés Stadium will run until 2027 with a release clause of £42 million, according to the report. The difficult winger could prove to be a shrewd signing for the Gunners, especially after having such an impressive season with Bilbao and the Spanish national team.
Arsenal interested in Williams
Arsenal were excellent last season and were unlucky to lose the title to city of manchester on the last day of the season.
They conceded the fewest goals and scored the second most goals in the league. They also had an excellent record of head-to-head matches against the “big six” in the first division having gone unbeaten in their 10 games against Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham, City and United.
However, the one thing the Gunners need to fix if they are to have a chance of usurping Pep Guardiola's side the Premier League crown is adding adequate depth to their ranks.
The addition of Williams would strengthen Arsenal's attack, as the youngster's dribbling, eye for goal and creativity make him an archetype for Arteta's team.
The North London giants already have Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo SakaLeandro Trossard and Reiss Nelson fighting for a place on the flanks, and the addition of Williams would give the Gunners the depth and quality they so desperately need to go toe-to-toe with City in the fight for the Premier League title. next season.