Nico Williams remains a potential target that Arsenal may pursue on Transfer Deadline Day.
Arsenal are keen to add a winger to their ranks in what remains of this summer window.
Ian Wright has urged Arsenal to sign a wide player, as he feels that Bukayo Saka needs more support and cover in that part of the pitch.
Mikel Arteta has numerous potential targets to consider a swoop for in this part of the pitch. Raheem Sterling has been offered to Arsenal, having been declared surplus to requirements at Chelsea.
Kingsley Coman has also been linked with Arsenal, whilst rumours of interest in Anthony Gordon also emerged last night.
However, Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams would certainly be the Gunners’ ideal signing to address this issue in their squad.
However, getting a deal over the line for the Euro 2024 winner represents a real challenge.
David Ornstein shares Nico Williams transfer update with Arsenal fans
Journalist David Ornstein has now lifted the lid on what stands between the North London club and securing Williams’ services.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ Transfer Talk podcast, the reporter revealed: “Arsenal, we know they love Nico Williams of Athletic Bilbao, he would be Arteta’s top choice by a mile if they were to recruit a wide player.
“But he’s already on a massive contract, it would need to be an even bigger contract if he joins another club, there’s a release clause that needs to be paid in full, and he seems very happy where he is at the moment. If he was to leave, it seems Barcelona is his first choice.
“If the market closes with Arsenal sticking with what they’ve got, I think they’ll be perfectly happy with that.”
The 22-year-old certainly wouldn’t come cheap. Arsenal have been warned that Williams’ wage demands could cause an issue in the dressing room at the Emirates Stadium, as he would likely break the club’s existing salary structure.
Why Arsenal want Nico Williams
Despite the financial barriers making this deal a tricky one to complete, it is obvious why Arteta would be so pleased to secure the attacker’s signature.
The 20-cap Spain international is comfortable on either flank, meaning he would offer cover and competition not only for Saka, but Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, too.
He would bring additional pace, creativity, and goal threat to Arteta’s squad, and demonstrated at Euro 2024 this summer, as he scored against England in the final, that he can shine on the biggest stage.
Williams has been called a dream signing for Arsenal, and he would immediately raise the level in North London. Perhaps even more excitingly, though, given his age, it has to be assumed that he will continue to improve and that there is still much more to come from him.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
