Arsenal are interested in signing Athletic Club winger Nico Williams but the Gunners face competition for the Spaniard's signature from the likes of Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Chelsea
Arsenal transfer target Nico Williams insists he's "super happy" at Athletic Club and has made it clear he is not thinking about a summer transfer at this moment in time. The Euro 2024 winner has long been admired by Mikel Arteta while Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Chelsea are also keen on the 22-year-old. Newly-appointed Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta recently held private talks with Williams' representatives as the Italian looks to lay the groundwork ahead of a potential transfer. But speaking ahead of Thursday's Europa League semi-final first leg against Manchester United, Williams reaffirmed his commitment to his current club.
Williams said: “The dream is to lift the champion’s trophy at San Mames. I have the opportunity to make history at this club. The dream never ends. I’m 100 per cent focused on tomorrow, on reaching the final and winning it. “I don’t want to look any further. I’m super happy here and feel well. I’ve always wanted to feel important here. This is a 10/10 season for me.” Athletic Club are keen to tie down Williams to a new lucrative contract but that is unlikely to stop them from receiving big-money bids for the Spain starlet in the coming months. The problem for Arsenal and Chelsea is the expensive salary package that would be required to land the player, who also has a £48.4million buy-out clause. Williams recently suffered a muscle injury scare but he is fit to face United in a major blow for Ruben Amorim.
Meanwhile, Athletic Club boss Ernesto Valverde has claimed he hopes Williams will stay in the Basque Country for many years to come. He said of his attacking whizz: "He has had a very good season and there has been some speculation. We hope that he is with us next season and for many years because we want to have the best players." Barcelona tried to create wiggle room within their transfer budget to sign the 22-year-old last summer but Williams opted to remain with Athletic Club.
However, Barca's interest hasn't waned and the exciting dribbler remains the club's dream signing providing Williams indicates he's ready to try a new chapter in his career. Arsenal are thought to be focusing their efforts on the capture of a new striker but they are also open to strengthening their wide options with Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard attracting interest from the Saudi Pro League.