EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal ready to trigger Nico Williams release clause as Martinelli set for new role

Steve Kay

• Updated: 21 Jun 2024 10:16 BST
• 3 min read

Exclusive

Arsenal have joined the string of major clubs seeking to sign Athletic Club attacking sensation Nico Williams, FootballTransfers can reveal.

Chelsea, Barcelona and PSG have all recently been linked with the Spain winger, who has seven goals and 16 assists in 40 games across all competitions this season.

FootballTransfers has learned, though, that Arsenal are stepping up their pursuit of a player who has a €55 million release clause in his contract.

READ MORE: Arsenal will only sign Bruno Guimaraes on ONE condition but face Man City problem

Current ETV

Nico Williams

M (R), AM (RL)

Athletic

Nico Williams

M (R), AM (RL)

Athletic

€30.5M

ETV Range

€22.8M - €38.1M

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It is understood that the Gunners are prepared to pay this figure, which could be essential in landing the 21-year-old as reports from Spain indicate PSG are ready to do the same.

Nico Williams primarily operates down the left, and though that is typically Gabriel Martinelli’s territory at the Emirates, manager Mikel Arteta experimented by fielding the Brazil star on the right win in the final game of the Premier League season against Everton – and the South American shone.

Martinelli completed 100% of his dribbles on that occasion, with five key passes and an accuracy of 81% from 69 touches.

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Now Arteta is thinking about deploying him in this role more regularly to act as a support option to Bukayo Saka, who has been the standout option on the right in recent seasons.

Both Martinelli and Nico Williams could rotate into this role for Saka, giving the England winger some much-needed respite.

Gunners legend has called for Nico Williams signing

Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit has previously called on the Gunners to make this move.

Speaking in March, the 1998 World Cup winner said: “He’s been one of the best young players in Spain this season.

“He can play on the right or left and every time I watch Athletic, they always give him the ball because he’s so good at facing two defenders.

“He’d be a very good addition to any team as his skills are devastating. I love players who are always provoking defenders.”

Nico Williams has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €30.5m and his contract at Athletic Club runs until 2027 but he is widely expected to leave this summer.