Arsenal suffer Nico Williams NIGHTMARE as Aston Villa eye double deal

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 24 Feb 2025 06:02 CST
• 3 min read

Aston Villa are targeting a double deal for Athletic Club duo Nico Williams and Oihan Sancet, according to reports in Spain.

Unai Emery’s side utilised the loan market during the January transfer window, but they are determined to bolster their squad with several big-money permanent additions this summer.

Marcus Rashford could be purchased following the conclusion of his loan spell from Manchester United, but Villa have identified Williams as their priority target for the 2025 summer window, as per El Nacional.

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The Spanish publication also claim that Sancet has emerged as a possible reinforcement option for the Villa Park outfit as they look to strengthen their midfield roster.

Williams is expected to leave Athletic Club this summer and he will be available for a bargain fee of €58 million due to a release clause in his current contract with the Basque side.

Arsenal, Barcelona, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have all been linked with a move for the Spain international over the past few months, with the former selecting him as their dream target for the summer window.

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Meanwhile, Man Utd and Tottenham have also enquired about a potential move for Sancet, according to El Nacional, amid his immense form so far this season.

The 24-year-old has scored 14 goals and provided three assists in 26 matches across all competitions this term and his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) has risen to a career high of €55.8m as a result.

Arsenal could miss out on Nico Williams

Aston Villa’s reported desire to sign Williams will come as a hammer blow for Arsenal given their long-term interest in the Athletic Club winger.

Although the Gunners will likely be confident of beating Villa to his signature, additional competition in the race to sign him won’t be welcomed by those at the Emirates Stadium and it could further complicate a possible summer deal.