Arsenal have known Nico Williams as their number one target for their attack this summer, but most are overcoming a number of major hurdles if they want to sign him.
The Athletic Bilbao winger cemented his burgeoning reputation in Spain’s triumphant Euro 2024 campaign, capping off his stellar tournament with a goal in the final against England.
Speculation over the 21-year-old’s future career had been intense ahead of the Euros, but with clubs returning to pre-season training, the player will hope for a quick resolution.
Arsenal, meanwhile, began the summer intending to sign a new centre-forward to complement their existing options, but with Benjamin Sesko opting to remain at RB Leipzig and Alexander Isak unreachable, the focus has been on signing a flexible attacker.
Williams’ ability to play on both flanks appeals greatly to Mikel Arteta, who wants a player who will provide a festival and canopy for Bukayo Saka as well as Gabriel Martinelli.
With his contract containing a €58m release clause, Williams represents an affordable option, but that payment will need to be made upfront and in full before it can be activated.
Having spent heavily in the last two summer windows, Arsenal are more cautious in the existing movement window and will most likely have to sell one of their existing attacking players before buying him.
Fulham have already noted that a top bid for Emile Smith Rowe was rejected and he is expected to return with an offer closer to Arsenal’s £40m asking price.
Even if Arsenal’s top war team were to strengthen to this point, sealing a deal and beating them to the festival would be far from easy.
Williams’ preference would be to be in Spain, where Barcelona hope to reunite him with foreign teammate Lamine Yamal.
Speaking earlier this week, Barcelona leader Joan Laporta said: “‘Today, Barca could face a signing like Nico Williams financially. ‘
However, according to The Athletic, this has irritated several Barcelona players, some of whom have not been registered to play in La Liga due to various contractual situations.
Williams, for his part, has several contenders in the Premier League, Chelsea.
The Blues have reportedly already done significant legwork as they attempt to explore the option of a deal for Williams; His team already has players like Mykhailo Mudryk, Raheem Sterling and Noni Madueke.
Put us in your feed