As the summer transfer window approaches, the future of Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams has become a hot topic, with Arsenal leading the chase for his signature. The Gunners are prepared to meet his €58 million (£50m) release clause, but recent developments have revealed that Williams has a preference for a move to Barcelona instead.
Arsenal’s interest in Williams is well-documented. The club views him as an ideal addition to strengthen their attacking options, particularly as Mikel Arteta seeks to bolster his squad ahead of a crucial season. Williams has been a standout performer in La Liga this season, contributing 11 goals and seven assists across all competitions, making him one of the most sought-after young talents in European football.
According to TBR Football, Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has already spoken with Williams about his plans for the player. Berta’s confidence in securing a deal is bolstered by the club’s long-standing admiration for the 22-year-old. However, despite Arsenal’s advances, it appears that Williams has his heart set on a move to Barcelona, where he hopes to play alongside fellow young star Lamine Yamal.
Sources close to Williams have indicated that he would prefer to remain in Spain rather than make a move to the Premier League. "Williams wants to play with Lamine Yamal. Personally, like Arsenal and others, I am not convinced he wants to leave Spain," said Graeme Bailey, TBR Football’s chief correspondent.
Even with Arsenal’s willingness to pay top wages—rumored to be around £250,000-a-week—Williams’ inclination to stay in Spain complicates matters. The young winger has expressed a desire to focus on his current club, particularly after helping Athletic Bilbao reach the semi-finals of the Europa League. Following a solid performance against Rangers, where he scored a goal, Williams stated, "We have the goal of winning the Europa League and, next year, to crush the Champions League."
Despite the ongoing speculation, Athletic Club announced on April 19 that Williams is dealing with a groin injury, which has sidelined him for crucial fixtures, including an upcoming match against Real Madrid. The extent of the injury is still pending, leaving both the club and potential suitors anxious about his recovery timeline.
From Arsenal's perspective, the injury raises concerns about whether Williams will be fit enough to impact their summer transfer plans. Mikel Arteta has been a long-time admirer of the winger, and the Gunners are keen to add his talent to their ranks. However, the player’s commitment to his current club and his aspirations for European success may overshadow any potential transfer.
In a recent interview, Williams highlighted his loyalty to Athletic Bilbao, stating, "Every kid wants to play at Old Trafford. We have the goal of winning the Europa League and, next year, to crush the Champions League. Little by little." His comments reflect a deep sense of commitment to his current team, emphasizing his desire to contribute to their success rather than pursue a move elsewhere.
Barcelona, who had previously shown interest in Williams, may have stepped back from the race due to financial concerns, which could open the door for Arsenal. However, Deco, Barcelona’s sporting director, confirmed that Williams had opted to remain with Athletic last summer, saying, "Nico is a player who, yes, we were interested in during the summer. We tried to bring him in, but from there the player made a decision and life goes on."
As the transfer saga unfolds, Williams remains a player to watch. His impressive performances have drawn comparisons to some of the best, with former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney likening him to a young Cristiano Ronaldo. Rooney described Williams as "exceptional," further highlighting the high expectations surrounding the young talent.
With the summer transfer window looming, Arsenal will need to navigate Williams’ preferences and potential injury recovery carefully. While they are eager to secure his services, the player's commitment to Athletic Bilbao and his aspirations for European glory could ultimately dictate his future.
As it stands, Williams is fully focused on helping Athletic Bilbao achieve their goals in the Europa League and La Liga, and it remains to be seen how the injury will affect both his current form and any potential moves this summer. For now, Arsenal and Barcelona will have to wait and see whether they can win over one of the most promising talents in European football.
