Arsenal have pulled off one of the most sensational transfer coups in years after Nico Williams stunned Europe by choosing the Emirates Stadium as his next destination this summer.
The 23-year-old Spain international, rated at a cool £87million release clause, has told intermediaries he is ready to turn his back on boyhood club Athletic Club – and snub fresh interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid – to become Mikel Arteta’s marquee signing.
Despite signing a staggering 10-year contract just last summer after performing a dramatic U-turn on Barcelona, Williams has now made it crystal clear: he wants Premier League football, and he wants it at Arsenal.
Football Insider broke the news that the Gunners are “leading the race” for the explosive winger, and our sources can now confirm the deal is on – with Williams himself prioritising the North London club over Europe’s elite.
Williams came agonisingly close to joining Barcelona last summer. Multiple rounds of talks were held with sporting director Deco, and Lamine Yamal was personally pushing for his Spain team-mate to join him at the Camp Nou. Everything looked set… until Williams stunned everyone with a late change of heart and penned that monster new deal at Athletic.
Since then, injury issues have restricted him to just four goals and six assists in 26 appearances this season. But his Euro 2024 heroics – including a stunning goal in the final against England – reminded everyone exactly why he is considered one of the most exciting attackers on the planet.
Athletic Club’s managing director Mikel Gonzalez has already labelled him “world-class”, and now Arsenal are set to make that tag official in red and white.
The Gunners made contact last summer and never lost interest. Intermediaries have since informed Arsenal that the winger is “ready to consider a transfer again this summer” – and the Emirates is now his No.1 choice.
Barcelona were left heartbroken by his decision to stay at Athletic last year, though they have since shown renewed interest. Real Madrid have tracked him for years too. Yet Williams has looked at the project at Arsenal – the young squad, Arteta’s vision, and the chance to finally play in the Premier League – and decided the North London club is where he wants to take the next step in his career.
And here’s the kicker – this is NOT about Yan Diomande.
Arsenal have been linked with the £87m-rated RB Leipzig sensation, who is also on Liverpool and Manchester United’s radar. But sources close to the club insist the focus has now switched decisively to Williams. The Spanish forward is seen as the perfect long-term elite replacement for Gabriel Martinelli, a player who can deliver more goals and provide that explosive cutting edge from the left.
Arsenal are also keeping tabs on Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon and could even launch a £75m bid, but Williams is the one they really want – and the one who has now made up his mind.
With the £87m release clause activated, the deal is straightforward financially. Arsenal know exactly what it will cost, and Williams is ready to force through the move that will see him swap San Mamés for the Emirates.