Massive Arsenal boost as Nico Williams replacement already known

Tom Weber

Updated: 30 Dec 2024 18:45 GMT
3 min read

Nico Williams, Athletic Club, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Athletic Club have identified Championship top scorer Borja Sainz as the man to replace Nico Williams in 2025, according to Spanish media.

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Spain superstar Williams continues to make headlines in his home country despite the fact that he is having a bit of a down season following his spectacular exploits at Euro 2024.

Injuries have prevented the scintillating winger from building any kind of rhythm or momentum and his return for the season so far stands at just two goals and five assists across 23 appearances.

This hasn't stopped transfer rumours from abounding, however, seeing as though Williams was one of Europe's hottest commodities in the summer, courted by Barcelona, Arsenal, Chelsea and others.

His dip in form hasn't stopped suitors from queuing up and it seems that Athletic Club accept that the 22-year-old will leave in 2025.

Williams replacement 'chosen'

At least that is according to Sport, which claims that the Bilbao giants have identified Norwich City hotshot Borja Sainz as a replacement for Williams.

Sainz has scored 15 goals in England's second tier this term and leads the division's goalscoring charts. However, he is currently in the midst of a six-game drought and finds himself the target of an FA investigation into an incident that occurred in a clash with Sunderland on December 21.

As of Sunday, not even Norwich coach Johannes Hoff Thorup was entirely sure what the investigation was about, which explains why Sainz has still been able to play in recent fixtures.

The versatile attacker is eligible to play for the Bilbao side, who have a famously restrictive transfer policy, as he was born in Leioa in the Basque Country. He is the nephew of Athletic great Carlos Garcia and the son of former Eibar player Navarro.