The real reason Arsenal won’t be able to sign Nico Williams even if they meet his release clause

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Arsenal are big admirers of Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, but they are unable to sign him this summer.

Williams was a standout player in La Liga last season, and he also lit up Euro 2024, scoring against England in the final en route to lifting the trophy.

Mikel Arteta is a big fan of the 22-year-old and wanted to bring him to Arsenal this summer. The winger has a release clause of around £50m, but his arrival can now be ruled out.

Arsenal want a winger who can add pace and goal threat, and who can play on both wings, and Williams is a target who fits this bill perfectly. Arsenal are not the only admirers, with Barcelona also interested, but neither club will get their wish of signing him now.

Arsenal target Nico Williams to stay at Athletic Bilbao

The Athletic have now reported that Williams will stay at Athletic Bilbao this summer, and reject all interest in him.

Athletic Club won the Copa Del Rey last season and subsequently qualified for the Europa League, and Williams now wants the chance to play in European competition with his boyhood club, and alongside his brother Inaki Williams.

The Europa League final is set to be held at San Mames, the home of Athletic Bilbao, and the prospect of winning a European trophy at the home of his boyhood club is one that he simply could not miss.

Could Arsenal sign Nico Williams in the future?

Whilst an exit from Athletic Club can be ruled out this summer, a future exit cannot, and if the winger later decides that he is keen on a new start elsewhere, Arsenal will no doubt be interested.

However, even if that unlikely day comes within the next few seasons, it appears that his priority would still be to stay in Spain, and a future move to Barcelona could still be on the cards.

• READ MORE: Every player linked to and from Arsenal in the summer 2024 transfer window

Arsenal will have to move on from Williams this summer, and seek out an alternative target, but the Spaniard was the ideal pick given his outstanding ability on both wings, as well as his sheer speed, dribbling ability and creative eye.

Options such as Federico Chiesa and Raphinha have been linked, with it clear that an attacking player is needed this summer.