Nico Williams to Arsenal: Arteta CLOSE to signing dream summer target

Cameron Smith

16 Apr 2025 00:00 CDT
3 min read

Barcelona have reportedly pulled out of contention to sign Nico Williams, leaving Arsenal in pole position to land the Athletic Club winger this summer.

Article continues under the video

The Spain international has been heavily linked with a move to Camp Nou over the past year-and-a-half, but Hansi Flick’s side have now decided to end their interest ahead of the 2025 summer transfer window.

Current ETV

Nico Williams

M (L)

Athletic

Nico Williams

M (L)

Athletic

ETV Range

€63.5M - €77.7M

That is according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, who claim that Barcelona won’t trigger his €58 million release clause as they believe it’s no longer the right time to sign him.

Raphinha has enjoyed a sublime season as Barcelona’s first choice left winger, while the likes of Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati are all capable of deputising if needed.

As a result, the Blaugrana have reportedly ended their interest in Williams and they are also unlikely to purchase a new centre forward, despite the fact that Robert Lewandowski is now 36 years old and is out of contract in 2026.

EXCLUSIVE: Thomas Partey stalls on Arsenal contract as Barcelona circle

Nico Williams to Arsenal?

With Barcelona no longer contenders to land Williams, Arsenal have been given the perfect chance to sign one of Mikel Arteta’s priority transfer targets.

Aston Villa, Chelsea and Manchester United have also been linked with a move for the 22-year-old, although FootballTransfers understands that Arsenal are the leading candidates to sign him this summer and an Emirates Stadium switch is now certainly on the cards.

Williams is expected to usurp Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard as Arsenal’s preferred left winger if he joins the club this summer, while he may be used on the right flank on occasions in order to give Bukayo Saka a rest.

The Athletic Club winger has scored 10 goals and provided seven assists in 41 appearances across all competitions so far this season, and his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) currently stands at €70.6m - the sixth highest of any player in the Spanish national team.