Arsenal STUNNED after 'unexpected turn of events' throws Nico Williams transfer in JEOPARDY

Suraj Radia

25 Feb 2025 15:00 GMT
4 min read

Nico Williams, Arsenal, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Arsenal were positioning themselves as favourites to sign Nico Williams this summer but a transfer for their long-term target could be in jeopardy after an ‘unexpected turn of events’.

Article continues under the video

The Gunners will look to strengthen in attack this summer after neglecting their front line in recent years, leading to an injury crisis up front for Mikel Arteta that has destablised Arsenal’s title push.

Arsenal had looked to sign Williams last summer but the winger opted to remain at Athletic Bilbao, although the 22-year-old is now understood to be ready to leave his boyhood club this summer.

A €58 million release clause in Williams’ contract is still valid and Arsenal were deemed to be the side most likely to activate it once again, with Barcelona and Chelsea having prioritised other options instead.

However, Catalan outlet El Nacional has claimed that Barcelona are now back in for Williams after realising that there are not many alternatives of a similar ability or price available on the market.

Personal terms between Barcelona and Williams are already believed to be ‘practically closed’, with the Spanish international said to favour a switch to club, leaving Arsenal in the dust if Barca choose to activate his release clause.

© IMAGO - Nico Williams is a wanted man this summer.

Barcelona change transfer plans to target Williams

Barcelona’s financial issues had complicated the chances of a deal, giving Arsenal a clear run at Williams after pushing the hardest for the forward last summer.

The Gunners are desperate to add a wide player and a number nine this year and Williams is seen as an ideal talent who can play on both flanks and continue to develop at an affordable price.

STATS

Nico Williams

M (L)

Athletic

Nico Williams

M (L)

Athletic

36

Games
6

Goals
10

Assists

However, while Barca had initially intended to sign a new striker this summer, the La Liga giants are now believed to be extending Robert Lewandowski’s contract, allowing them to instead focus their resources on a winger.

While the likes of Rafael Leao and Luis Diaz have been considered, both players would be significantly more expensive than Williams, leading to Barca seemingly returning for Williams.

Williams has not made any formal decision over his future, although he is understood to have told teammates he will leave Athletic Club at the end of the season, while previous reports have claimed that he also told Barca star Lamine Yamal that he was on course to join Arsenal.

Instead, though, Williams could now link up with Yamal as Barca and play on the opposite flank as his international teammate, who has encouraged his club to make a move for the Bilbao star.