Arsenal have a free run at Nico Williams if...

Tom Weber

Updated: 1 Nov 2024 03:56 CDT
4 min read

Arsenal could have a free run at Nico Williams if he extends his Athletic Club contract, according to Spanish media.

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The Spain winger has had a difficult start to the season. A long summer, thanks to a spectacular Euro 2024 campaign, rampant transfer speculation and minor injury problems have restricted Williams to just two goals and two assists in 12 games so far this term.

Still, the youngster remains one of Europe's hottest commodities given that clubs still hope that he will leave his boyhood side Athletic Club next year. He decided to stay in the summer, hoping to reach the Europa League final, which will be played on home soil in Bilbao's San Mames.

Williams snubbed Barcelona who had made him their top target and Blaugrana's interest remains. As pointed out by Sport, "the Williams saga is far from over."

However, the Catalans could yet again face major hurdles in trying to sign the 22-year-old, potentially leaving his Premier League suitors with a free run at him.

Barca to drop out - advantage Arsenal?

The above-mentioned outlet confirms Athletic Club's plans to renew Williams' deal, reporting that the Basque giants are prepared to "fight for his contract extension" because they believe that they can "compete with anyone."

If Athletic are successful, it will spell bad news for Barcelona. The cash-strapped side are only willing to make a move for Williams again if his €58 million release clause remains in place.

The Bilbao outfit, of course, will attempt to increase that fee or potentially get rid of it altogether as they managed to do on Unai Simon's new deal despite the fact that contracts in Spain are generally required to contain release clauses.

Barcelona could once again struggle to register Dani Olmo for LaLiga in January, so they are well aware that they are still not in a position to spend an exorbitant fee on Williams.

Arsenal remain interested in the winger and given that Raheem Sterling has yet to impress at the Emirates, it seems likely that the Gunners will be in the market for a wide player again in 2025.

With Barcelona potentially out of the race, Arsenal may just have a free run at Williams, though he won't come cheap.