Arsenal have reignited their interest in Nico Williams after missing out on Morgan Rogers to Chelsea and are reportedly prepared to trigger the release clause in the Athletic Club winger’s contract.
Williams has been on Arsenal’s shortlist for at least the past two seasons, but persuading him to leave Athletic Club has proved difficult after he committed his long-term future to the Spanish side by signing a ten-year contract.
The Gunners believe the Spain international has the quality to become an important player in Mikel Arteta’s squad and remain eager to bring him to the Emirates Stadium, although the winger is understood to be happy at his current club.
Arsenal Turn To Williams
Athletic Club have no intention of selling one of their key players, but every player in La Liga has a release clause that allows another club to complete a transfer if the amount is paid.
According to Fichajes, Arsenal are prepared to activate Williams’ release clause after missing out on Morgan Rogers and failing to persuade Paris Saint-Germain to sell Bradley Barcola.
The report states that Arsenal now view Williams as their leading target as they continue searching for a new winger ahead of the upcoming season.
Decision Rests With The Player
Although Arsenal are willing to meet the financial requirements of the release clause, they must still convince Williams that a move to North London is the right step for his career.
The transfer could also require the winger to trigger the release clause himself, a process that many homegrown players in Spain are often reluctant to undertake.
Arsenal remain hopeful that Williams can be persuaded to join the club, but securing his agreement may prove just as challenging as meeting the financial conditions of the deal. The coming weeks are likely to determine whether the Gunners can finally complete a transfer they have pursued for several seasons.
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Noooooooo!!!!
Nooooo! He’s too over hyped and the idea of him asking for 300k/week annoys me like. Why is Arsenal not looking at DeKetelaere instead of wasting time on Julian Alvarez who only wants Barca. That boy is a real competition up front and can play behind the striker or at attacking right wing. And Manu Kone instead of the Bruno’s Obsession
Arsenal started tracking De Ketelaere when he was at Club Brugge, so they have reasons evidently. For instance, he’s left footed, plays central or right, and we already have Havertz, Gyokeres, Eze, Dowman, Saka, Nwaneri and Madueke that cover areas he plays in. The club are able to assess his fit best. I guess they probably also feel we are not really in desperate need of another 60m+ player to cover those areas right now, when there are more obvious areas to strengthen.
Love the idea of Manu Kone too, but Guimaraes is probably the best plug-n-play replacement for Rice while he’s off (or as rotation), so it would be a great acquisition if it can even be done, which isn’t clear either.
Thanks for the clarity on De Ketelaere and Bruno analysis altogether.
Don’t believe anything Fichajes says. Williams is 100% committed to Bilbao and has said as much many times. He’s already turned down PSG and Barcelona, and signed a contract just last year until 2035.
I know Arteta has long been eager to add an elite player at LW as first choice, but it’s hard to see who that might be, especially if Barcola doesn’t become available later in the window. I could see Alvarez alternating between that and center forward. Yildiz is a possibility but he’s pretty raw and now sure he would step into that role immediately. Maybe we’ll get a surprise…
Williams is not an upgrade on Martinelli. NEVER!!! WILLIAMS MAKES NO SENSE ESPECIALLY FOR SUCH AN ASTRONOMIC PRICE
Yeah I am not really sold on Williams.
Also as Bergkampfwagen said he seems completely committed to Bilbao.
Are we even going to sign a left winger? Maybe Arteta thinks Tzolis is going to be come to the party? No one knows.
Is this story still doing the rounds. It’s like groundhog day all over again.