Arsenal would prefer to make a late attempt to sign Nico Williams, although there’s a concession any deal will be difficult to conclude.
According to The Independent, Arsenal might target a late move for Nico Williams, although there are considerable roadblocks in concluding any deal. The player reportedly prefers Barcelona, although that move hasn’t gone ahead so far, which does provide the Gunners with a window of opportunity.
Arsenal to target Nico Williams
Arsenal still have pending transfer business in the window, with Mikel Arteta reportedly keen to add a wide attacker to his ranks. The Gunners have approached a policy that allowed them to focus on one player at a time, as the search for a winger could accelerate now that they have agreed a deal for midfielder Mikel Merino.
They had links to Ademola Lookman recently, but it appears the Atalanta man could be headed to PSG in the coming days. The Gunners had sights on an attacking signing early in the window before they began negotiating for Riccardo Calafiori and then Merino. Nico Williams is also a player widely admired by Arteta, who might feel the Euro 2024-winning Spaniard is a perfect fit for his long-term plans.
Arsenal were ready to pounce on the Williams move should they see signs that Barcelona are not able to make a move. As things stand, the Catalans have not advanced in the deal despite early suggestions that they will bring him on board.
Wiliams has a £48 million release clause but draws huge wages at Athletic Club, which could be a problem for the Gunners. Either way, Arsenal ponder a late attempt to sign the winger. However, there are many roadblocks, with the primary one being the player’s reported preference to play for Barcelona, who may not sign him and have already lined up a replacement.
Williams is keen on Barcelona’s switch
There’s a big reason why many interested sides like Chelsea or Arsenal never made any officiual approach for Williams. While Arteta widely prefers a player right now who could play as backup to his current wingers, the idea of signing the £48 million-rated Euro 2024 winner could have tempted the manager on many levels. Should they not manage to bring him, the Gunners will look for a Leandro Trossard-type signing.
Williams has reportedly made it clear he wants to join Barcelona, but the move hasn’t advanced, with the Catalans struggling to register Spanish international Dani Olmo. With the time remaining in the window, it essentially appears the Athletic Club winger will wear the No.10 shirt at the Basque club and play out the season, which could hint at a future move to the Camp Nou.
