Arsenal Closing in on Dream Winger Nico Williams, but Spurs Could Derail the Deal
Arsenal are edging closer to securing their ideal left winger, Nico Williams, from Athletic Bilbao. However, Tottenham Hotspur may yet disrupt the Gunners’ plans through a linked transfer involving Bayern Munich, according to recent reports.
Currently boasting the Premier League’s best defensive record, Arsenal have conceded just 24 goals this season, three fewer than league leaders Liverpool. Despite this, the gap between the two sides lies in attack, with Liverpool outscoring Arsenal 69 to 53.
Mikel Arteta, along with incoming sporting director Andrea Berta, is well aware of the need to strengthen Arsenal’s attack. A dynamic left winger and a clinical striker are high on the club’s summer shopping list, with Williams emerging as their top target for the wide role.
Arsenal Leading the Race for Nico Williams
According to Christian Falk of BILD, Arsenal are currently ahead of Bayern Munich in the pursuit of Williams. Falk dismissed claims that Bayern are leading the race, explaining that the German giants are unable to make a concrete move for Williams until they offload an attacker.
“It’s not true that Bayern Munich are in the lead for Nico Williams,” said Falk. “At the moment, Williams is closer to Arsenal than Bayern, as the Bundesliga club can’t act as decisively as they’d like due to their current squad situation.”
Tottenham’s Potential Interference
Bayern’s interest in Williams depends on selling a player like Kingsley Coman, who has been linked to Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, and clubs in Saudi Arabia. Falk suggested that Spurs’ pursuit of Coman could indirectly free up Bayern to rival Arsenal for Williams.
“If Bayern manage to sell Kingsley Coman, they could reinvest the funds to compete for Nico Williams,” explained Falk. “Serge Gnabry is also on their for-sale list, but there’s little interest in him at the moment. It all depends on whether Bayern can move Coman first.”
This chain of events could allow Tottenham to disrupt Arsenal’s plans by enabling Bayern to re-enter the race for Williams.
Williams’ Release Clause and Potential Impact
Nico Williams, 22, has recorded nine goals and seven assists this season for Athletic Bilbao. While his numbers don’t yet match the likes of Mohamed Salah or Raphinha, the belief is that Williams’ output will soar when surrounded by higher-quality teammates.
The winger impressed on the international stage at Euro 2024, forming a lethal wide duo with Lamine Yamal for Spain. Their performances were pivotal in Spain’s triumph, including a standout display in the final against England.
Williams is available for a release clause of €58m (£48.7m), making him a relatively affordable option for Arsenal. However, his salary demands are expected to be significant.
Plan B: Luis Diaz
If Arsenal fail to land Williams, TEAMtalk reports that Liverpool’s Luis Diaz is an alternative target. However, it’s clear that Williams remains Arsenal’s priority for the left-wing position.
As the summer transfer window approaches, Arsenal must act swiftly to secure their top target while fending off potential competition from Bayern and any interference from their North London rivals, Tottenham.
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