Arsenal BOMBSHELL: Gunners 'close' to Nico Williams agreement

Cameron Smith

28 Jan 2025 20:30 GMT
3 min read

Nico Williams, Arsenal, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Arsenal are “close” to reaching a full agreement with Athletic Club winger Nico Williams, according to a bombshell report in Spain.

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The 22-year-old is widely expected to secure a move this summer and FootballTransfers understands that he is a key target for Mikel Arteta’s side as the Gunners look to bolster their forward line.

Williams rejected an Athletic Club exit last year, but he has a €58 million release clause included in his current deal and a number of top clubs are eager to finalise a deal to sign him.

In addition to Arsenal, the Spain international is wanted by Barcelona, but Hansi Flick’s side are set to miss out on his signature, as per El Nacional.

That is because the Spanish publication claim that Arsenal are “close” to reaching a total agreement to sign Williams this summer.

His agent is reportedly in advanced negotiations with the north London giants, while talks are described as being “in the final stretch.”

Williams has scored three goals and provided five assists in 29 appearances across all competitions so far this season, and he is expected to usurp Gabriel Martinelli in Arsenal’s starting XI if he moves to the Emirates Stadium in 2025.

What has Mikel Arteta said?

News that Arsenal are reportedly set to sign Williams this year follows Arteta’s admission that his side are in desperate need of attacking reinforcements.

The Gunners boss recently told reporters: “We lost two very important players in Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus. We lack goals, we lack people and we lack options. It’s clear.

“If we can get the right player, that’s why we are actively looking at it. We ARE working on it, yes.”

While Williams is their top winger target, Arsenal are also looking to finalise a deal for RB Leipzig centre forward Benjamin Sesko, while Viktor Gyokeres is under consideration too.