Arsenal CLOSE to Nico Williams as bargain bid prepared

Cameron Smith

• 2 Mar 2025 14:00 CST
• 3 min read

Arsenal’s pursuit of Athletic Club winger Nico Williams has taken a surprise turn amid reports that Barcelona may have ended their interest in the Spain international.

Williams, 22, is expected to secure a high-profile transfer during the upcoming summer window and Arsenal are set to battle for his signature as they look to bolster Mikel Arteta’s forward line.

The Gunners were heavily linked with Williams last summer, following his immense form for Spain at the 2024 European Championship, although he opted to snub significant transfer interest in order to remain at Athletic Club.

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However, the 22-year-old has been tipped to finally leave San Mames this year and FootballTransfers understands that Arsenal are pushing to finalise a deal in their bid to improve the attacking options at the club.

Barcelona were expected to rival Arsenal for the potential signing of Williams, but they have turned their attention to completing a surprise deal for Gabriel Martinelli, according to Fichajes.

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Gabriel Martinelli to Barcelona?

Martinelli has just over two years remaining on his current contract at Arsenal, however the Gunners are reportedly willing to offload him this summer in order to raise funds for Williams.

Furthermore, Barcelona are prepared to submit a €45 million bid for the Brazilian forward, although his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) stands at €59.1m, so Hansi Flick’s side may be required to increase their offer if they want to finalise a deal later this year.

Martinelli has scored seven goals and provided four assists in 35 matches across all competitions so far this season, although he is unlikely to usurp Raphinha for a starting berth at Camp Nou if he joins Barcelona this summer.

However, Barcelona’s interest in the Arsenal star could hand the Gunners a free run at signing Williams during the 2025 summer transfer window.