Report: Arsenal move ahead of Bayern in race for La Liga star | OneFootball

Arsenal Push Ahead in Race for Nico Williams

Arsenal’s pursuit of Nico Williams is gathering momentum, with the Premier League title chasers now edging ahead of rivals Bayern Munich in the battle for the highly rated winger. As reported by Christian Falk of Caught Offside, Mikel Arteta’s side are in pole position—though there’s a twist in the tale involving north London neighbours Tottenham Hotspur.

Spanish Star Closer to Arsenal Move

Williams, 22, has been identified as Arsenal’s dream target for the left wing, and his rise has been as swift as it has been spectacular. With nine goals and seven assists across all competitions for Athletic Club this season, the Spanish international is widely seen as ready for the next step.

“It’s not true that Bayern Munich are in the lead for Nico Williams,” said Falk. “I think, at the moment, Williams is closer to a move to Arsenal than Bayern Munich, as the Bundesliga club can’t be as concrete as they would like as things currently stand.”

While Williams’ current output doesn’t rival the likes of Mohamed Salah or Raphinha, his performances at Euro 2024 turned heads across the continent. Alongside Lamine Yamal, Williams formed one half of a devastating wing pairing that lit up the tournament—England’s defenders will not soon forget it.

Spurs Could Complicate Matters

Bayern Munich’s interest is very real, but their ability to act hinges on offloading players. Christian Falk explains that Bayern’s head of sport, Max Eberl, must sell before buying. That puts Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry on the chopping block.

“They want to sell Kingsley Coman (linked to Tottenham, Newcastle and Saudi Arabia). If they can manage this, they could take the money and use it to help sign Williams,” Falk added. “Serge Gnabry is also on the for-sale list, but no club is interested at the moment.”

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If Tottenham were to swoop for Coman, that would free up Bayern to launch a proper offensive for Williams. It’s a scenario that could severely test Arsenal’s resolve.

Arsenal’s Need for Attacking Edge

While Arsenal continue to boast the Premier League’s meanest defence—just 24 goals conceded—the gulf in goals scored compared to leaders Liverpool is glaring. Liverpool’s 69 goals dwarf Arsenal’s 53, highlighting the exact shortcoming Arteta is looking to fix.

With the incoming Andrea Berta set to take charge as sporting director, the club’s strategy is focused and clear: a new winger and a top-level striker. Williams ticks the first box, and given his £43 million release clause, he represents a calculated risk rather than a gamble.

For a player entering his prime, tested at both club and international level, and capable of unlocking tight games with explosive pace, that figure may soon look like a bargain.

Premier League Ready or Still Developing?

One lingering question remains: can Nico Williams deliver from day one in the Premier League? Athletic Club has nurtured him well, and his performance on the international stage suggests a player who can handle pressure. Yet the physicality and pace of England’s top flight are relentless.

Still, Arsenal under Arteta have shown faith in emerging talents, giving them the environment and tactical guidance to thrive. With Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, and potentially Williams, Arsenal could possess a fearsome trio for years to come.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From an Arsenal fan’s point of view, this report from Christian Falk of Caught Offside is exactly the kind of transfer development they’ve been waiting for. Nico Williams fits the Arteta profile perfectly—young, explosive, technically sound, and already making waves at both club and international level. For supporters, it feels like they’re finally targeting the sort of wide player who can add a new dimension to the front line.

What’s even more encouraging is the club’s urgency. They’re not dithering. They’re not letting other clubs set the pace. This is a clear statement of intent, and with Andrea Berta soon coming in, it feels like a coordinated strategy is finally in place. Whether Bayern can muscle their way back in remains to be seen, but if Spurs inadvertently open the door for them, it will sting.