Arsenal have received positive signals regarding their ambitions to secure Athletic Club star Nico Williams during the summer window. The Gunners were amongst the clubs reportedly expressing genuine interest in the Spain international nearly 12 months ago.
Mikel Arteta is a well-documented admirer of Williamsfollowing his outstanding performances in La Liga. After contributing to Spain's European Championships triumph in 2024, the forward enjoyed an excellent 2024/25 campaign, assisting Athletic in securing Champions League qualification.
Nevertheless, after Arsenal and Barcelona both entertained the notion of triggering his £50million release clause, Williams dismissed any transfer speculation by penning fresh terms at the San Mames Stadium in July. Athletic confirmed an arrangement with their most valuable player that featured a revised release clause, now 'more than 50% more than it was previously'.
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The 23-year-old's campaign has been hampered by injuries this season and Athletic's stance on selling him could soften in the summer should they fail to secure European football. Now, TEAMtalkhas revealed that intermediaries have notified Arsenal that Williams is prepared to entertain a summer departure.
The report indicates that the Gunners are amongst a select group of elite clubs that have been informed of his potential availability. Williams, despite penning a decade-long deal in Spain, is reportedly anticipated to command approximately £87m (€100m).
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It's also suggested that Athletic's challenging campaign, with them presently languishing ninth in La Liga, doesn't match the winger's aspirations, and the opportunity of testing himself at the elite level could prove influential.
Arsenal bolstered their left flank last summer with Eberechi Eze, but the England international has predominantly been deployed in a more central role. Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli have been Arteta's favoured choices, combining for 16 goals and eight assists.
Nevertheless, the north London outfit are anticipated to encounter rivalry for Williams. Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United are amongst the clubs notified of the player's availability, alongside Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich.
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RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande is another wide forward reportedly featuring on Arsenal's radar this summer. The 19 year old has enjoyed a superior campaign than Williams in Germany, though the Bundesliga side will seek close to £90m.
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