Arsenal enter race for Athletic Club wonderkid Williams

Cameron Smith

• 25 Feb 2023 07:39 CST
• 3 min read

Arsenal are weighing up a summer move for Athletic Club and Spain wonderkid Nico Williams, despite news of Bukayo Saka's imminent new contract.

Saka, 21, has reportedly verbally agreed to sign a new contract at the Emirates Stadium that will run until June 2028 amid interest from Manchester City and Liverpool.

The England international has told the club he would like to stay and The Times have reported that Saka will sign his new deal next month.

READ: Man City and Liverpool want Saka amid Arsenal contract talks

However, that hasn't stopped the Gunners pursuing yet more forward talent, with Williams on their radar, according to Fichajes.

Mikel Arteta's side were heavily linked with a move for Brazilian international Raphinha last summer, but he decided to snub both Arsenal and Chelsea in order to sign for Xavi's Barcelona.

The January arrival of Leandro Trossard from Brighton & Hove Albion has helped bolster Arsenal's frontline, but a back-up for Saka on the opposite flank is still deemed necessary.

READ: Arsenal forget Bellingham to chase top transfer target

As a result, Williams has been targeted, with the Spaniard featuring mostly on the right flank during his senior career so far.

Competition for Williams

Arsenal aren't the only Premier League team to express an interest in Williams.

Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool are also in the race to sign the speedy winger, with the Reds preparing for life after Mohamed Salah.

The Egyptian star has a contract at Anfield that doesn't expire until 2025, but Paris Saint-Germain are said to have identified him as their ideal Lionel Messi replacement. As a result, Klopp's side have begun thinking about a succession plan, and Williams has emerged as a ley target.

Williams' Athletic Club contract runs until 2024 after signing an extension last year.