Arsenal could face competition for the signing of Nico Williams, with Barcelona and Liverpool interested in the Athletic Club winger.
According to Fabrizio Romano on Give Me Sport, Arsenal are heavily interested in signing Nico Williams next summer, but face big competition for the winger. Barcelona and Liverpool are also keen on the Athletic Club attacker, as Mikel Arteta rates the 22-year-old highly and views him as a viable addition to the left side of the attack.
Arsenal have been in the news with regards to the many injuries suffered by their attackers, which has caused concerns over the second part of the season. The Gunners are still competing for the Premier League title despite Liverpool’s seven-point gap. They are also expected to challenge in the Champions League, although, without their attacking depth, things do look grim.
They did have plans to recruit a forward in the January window, and one of the names mentioned is that of Nico Williams. Arsenal have a long-standing interest in the 22-year-old, who has been excelling at Athletic Club this season despite the lack of output in their campaign.
Arsenal are considered best-placed to sign Williams in the summer, who has a straightforward release clause. The Gunners are still expected to hold talks with Athletic Club to structure a deal that may require them to pay more than the exit terms to have a favourable outcome.
Mikel Arteta views Williams as a viable addition to the left side of the attack, considering what the 22-year-old brings to the table. Fabrizio Romano confirmed Arsenal’s interest in the winger while insisting there are other clubs in the mix to sign the Spanish international.
Romano said, “He remains one of the most appreciated players by Mikel Arteta. Nico is highly rated at Arsenal. But also in this case, it’s too early as there are more clubs on it.”
Liverpool and Barcelona chase Nico Williams
Liverpool have a long-standing interest in Williams as they seek to make changes to their attacking shape before next season. They are also interested in names like Karim Adeyemi, among others, as there are considerable doubts over the future of Mohamed Salah, first and foremost. At the same time, the likes of Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota are also potential exits in the next window.
Meanwhile, Barcelona could revive their hunt for the 22-year-old, who has 55 goals and assists for Athletic Club in 152 appearances for the team. The Catalans failed to make a move for the Spanish international last summer amid financial tensions within the club. However, should they re-enter the race, Hansi Flick’s side could potentially pip Arsenal for Williams.
