Arsenal enter bid for Athletic Bilbao ace Nico Williams

The Spaniard is having a fantastic 2023/24 season at Bilbao. He is the team’s standout player in the attacking half, with eight goals and 19 assists in 37 appearances.

The 21-year-old has also impressed in the ongoing European Championship, with The Athletic revealing Arsenal have him on their summer wish list.

Gunners manager Mikel Arteta is an admirer of his compatriot. Williams is one of Arteta’s top options should Arsenal choose to sign another winger.

possible deal

Arsenal are well equipped to attack out wide. Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli are currently vying for a spot on the left wing, with Bukayo Saka the undisputed starter at the other end.

However, Arteta may want a different solution for Saka next season. The Arsenal graduate has performed well and scored regularly, but the manager may want more quality in the squad to ease his heavy workload.

In that regard, Williams would be an excellent signing. Last season he played almost exclusively on the left side of Bilbao’s attack, but in 2022/23 he does the exact opposite and attacks from a right-wing position.

The Spaniard has excellent dribbling skills and the speed to break through defences, but he also impresses in his defensive duties. Williams doesn’t shy away from getting involved in contests and getting the ball back for his team.

His all-round ability fits Arteta’s plans. “The Athletic” revealed that there is a release clause of 46.5 million pounds in his contract, and Bilbao may not accept a lower contract to part ways with the talented attacker.

At that price, he could be a bargain in the current transfer market, given his youth and huge potential. It remains to be seen whether Arsenal can convince him to join without a guaranteed starting spot.