Arsenal are one of Nico Williams’ primary suitors and Mikel Arteta would like to sign him in January, but the finances involved seemingly make the move unlikely.
David Ornstein reports for The Athletic that Arsenal and Chelsea are high on Nico Williams’ list of suitors, with Liverpool also looking into the viability of a deal last summer.
Ornstein adds that Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta would like to sign the Athletic Club player now, but the finances involved make it “highly unlikely” in the January window.
Williams has a release clause of around €60m, which would need to be paid in full, and he would also ask for a high salary. On top of that, he’s not pushing to leave his current club.
All in all, Ornstein suggests a summer transfer is more plausible.
Charles Watts recently confirmed that Arsenal chased Williams over the summer of 2024, but at the time the winger appeared to prefer a move to Barcelona.
When the Barcelona transfer didn’t materialise, Williams decided to stay in Bilbao. But the situation has changed, with Barcelona reportedly out of the race and the player more open to a Premier League move.
A month ago, a January deal seemed exceedingly unlikely, but the main difference now is that Arsenal have lost both Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling to injury. Even so, the suggestion remains that Williams will probably move in the summer.
Williams has two goals and five assists in 24 appearances for Athletic Club this season, after winning Euro 2024 with Spain over the summer.