Nico Williams has already pledged his loyalty to Athletic Club, amid reports that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is a big fan of the young winger.
As the Gunners looked for a new wide player in the summer, Wiliams dashed fans' hopes that he would soon move to the Emirates Stadium. He was a crucial player in Spain's triumph at the 2024 European Championship and was unfazed by the renewed interest in him over the summer. “It's good that big teams have you on their agenda, but I've always been clear: I want to be here,” Williams told Mundo Deportivo in September.
“Athletic Club is a different feeling that you don't get at other clubs. I'm really looking forward to doing big things at this club. There have been approaches from many clubs. My heart is with Athletic. I have a contract here. But who knows what will happen in the future, I wanted to stay because playing in Europe at Athletic Club was what I was most excited about.”
The Athletic has reported that Arteta is interested in Williams, who is at the top of his list of wide targets. Arsenal's attack has been partly blunted by the absence of Bukayo Saka, but convincing Williams to leave the Basque club could prove a challenge for the Gunners.
Arsenal are reportedly looking to boost their attacking options in the January transfer window to keep up with Premier League leaders Liverpool. Their 2-2 draw with Aston Villa on Saturday, after blowing a two-goal lead, further highlighted their lack of consistency this season.
Since Saka was sidelined with a hamstring injury in December, Arsenal's attack has suffered somewhat and his absence could hasten Williams' turnaround. The Bilbao star has emerged as one of the leading strikers in the sport, but Arsenal are not the only club keeping tabs on the Spain international.
He played a key role in helping his boyhood club secure their first Copa del Rey title since 1984 last season, before impressing for his country in the summer. After failing to sign Williams, Arsenal signed Raheem Sterling on loan from Chelsea, but the former Manchester City ace has struggled to recapture his best form in north London.
Williams remains Arsenal's main target for the position, although Barcelona are also long-time admirers and are believed to have had a bid rejected last summer. Meanwhile, Liverpool could consider him as a potential replacement for Mo Salah if the Egyptian fails to agree to a new contract, while Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester City are all credited with interest.
Williams reportedly has a release clause of just under £50 million, which must be paid in full if triggered. As one of Bilbao's highest earners, an increase in his reported weekly wages of £166,000 would also be expected if he left them.
Arteta has hinted at a possible move in January as concerns over team selection become increasingly problematic. Frustrated by his limited options off the bench, he contrasted the depth of his side with league leaders Liverpool, who relied on late goals from substitute Darwin Nunez to beat Brentford this weekend.
'They succeeded in that [win late at Brentford]They made the substitutions, they made the impact and changed the game,” Arteta said. “On our side it was the opposite. After getting the two Villa goals very close, I knew the team could be going downhill because we were physically exhausted, but suddenly they found another gear to go again.”
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