Arsenal are considering launching a move to sign Nico Williams.
According to 90min, Arsenal are keen to secure the services of Nico Williams. The 21-year-old winger could be available on a free transfer come the summer of 2024, when his current contract with Athletic Bilbao expires.
The La Liga outfit are determined to tie Williams down to new terms. However, as a foreign club, Arsenal would be able to open negotiations with the player in January and strike a pre-contract agreement with him if he still hasn’t committed his future to Bilbao.
Given this situation, as per the aforementioned report, several Premier League clubs are currently sniffing around Williams. As well as the Gunners, Aston Villa, Liverpool, and Tottenham Hotspur are eyeing up the 10-cap Spain international. From farther afield, Bayern Munich and Juventus are keeping tabs on the situation.
Clearly, even if he rejects a new contract with his current club, Arsenal sporting director Edu will face serious competition in attempting to sign Williams.
Nico Williams would be an exciting arrival at Arsenal
It is unsurprising to see that Mikel Arteta is keen on the player. The youngster has started the new season in decent form, and has already laid on four assists in the Spanish top flight. Williams was excellent last season, racking up nine goals and six assists across all competitions.
Comfortable playing on either flank, Williams could compete for minutes with both Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka at Arsenal, though as a right-footer he would be better suited to the Brazilian’s position on the left wing in Arteta’s system. The importance of providing back up for Saka, meanwhile, has been a hot topic at the Emirates Stadium.
Williams is not yet the finished article. He has previously been described as a “rough diamond.” However, if the Gunners could pick him up on a free transfer then that would undoubtedly be a major coup.
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