Arsenal remain interested in £49m winger | OneFootball

Nico Williams of Athletic Club remains of interest to Arsenal this summer, according to a report.

BILBAO, SPAIN: Nico Williams of Athletic Bilbao celebrates scoring the 2nd goal during the Copa del Rey Semifinal match between Athletic Club Bilbao and Atletico de Madrid at San Mames Stadium on February 29, 2024. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

James Olley of ESPN reports that Athletic Club winger Nico Williams remains of interest to Arsenal this summer, with the Gunners staying active in the market.

The Williams interest had appeared to be dead, with Barcelona turning the player’s head before he seemingly opted to remain with his current side. But Olley suggests there’s still something in it.

COLOGNE, GERMANY: Nico Williams of Spain during the UEFA EURO 2024 round of 16 match between Spain and Georgia at Cologne Stadium on June 30, 2024. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Williams spent some time on holiday following Euro 2024 while transfer speculation raged on, having scored in the final for Spain on July 14th.

Three weeks later, he returned to training with Athletic Club, speaking to the club’s social media pages and hinting he’s planning to spend the campaign with them.

The player has been given a new number with his current club, and there are no substantial rumours of exit talks. But Arsenal evidently really like the player.

BILBAO, SPAIN: Nico Williams of Athletic Bilbao celebrates scoring the 2nd goal during the Copa del Rey Semifinal match between Athletic Club Bilbao and Atletico de Madrid at San Mames Stadium on February 29, 2024. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

James McNicholas previously reported for The Athletic that Williams remains Arsenal’s preferred candidate if they decide to sign a wide player this summer, but there have always been complications.

For a start, the €58m (£49m) release clause in Williams’ contract would need to be paid upfront, a significant expense to pay all in one go. Then there’s that interest from other clubs, primarily Barcelona.

22-year-old Williams scored eight goals and provided 19 assists in 37 appearances for Athletic Club in 2023/24, before scoring two goals and assisting one in six appearances for Spain’s Euro 2024-winning team.

For the time being, he’s preparing for a possible first start of the new campaign in Athletic Club’s next game… against Barcelona.