According to reports, Nico Williams will join Arsenal this summer, which would be a huge coup for the north London team. Arsenal is working hard to get the Athletic Club winger during the 2024 summer transfer window, and he has been linked to a move to the Emirates Stadium for more than a year.
After winning the European Championship with Spain, Williams ultimately made the decision to stay in Bilbao, stating that he didn’t want to go because he had a close relationship with the team.
According to Spanish publication TodoFichajes, Mikel Arteta’s team has reportedly kept up their interest in the Spanish international despite that setback and has finally reached an agreement to sign him. They also claim that Williams has now given his agent the all-clear to finalize talks with Arsenal.
The Spanish winger used the 60 million euro release clause in his current contract to decide his future away from San Mamés, even though he recently renewed with the Basque team.
Although Aston Villa also expressed a lot of interest, the Gunners were able to persuade him with an ambitious sporting project that the Premier League would be his ultimate destination.
Arsenal close to first summer signing
Barcelona made an attempt to sign him last summer, but financial difficulties made the deal fall through. Now, several months later, Arsenal has taken serious action to make Williams a vital part of their lineup. Mikel Arteta has played a pivotal role in this decision; the coach has been hoping for his arrival for a while, and now his wish will be fulfilled.
The London club’s bid was approved by the Spanish forward, who now earns one of the highest salaries on the team. To ensure his transfer goes smoothly, Arsenal will pay the release clause in full without planning to negotiate with Athletic.
This trade will cost Athletic one of their best players while giving the Gunners a unique and explosive player to bolster their assault.
Williams informed France Football about his choice to remain at Athletic Club last year, saying, “This relationship we have at the heart of the club is incredible.” It’s amazing that everyone respects everyone else. Nowhere else will I be able to experience this environment. For that reason, I chose to stay. I made the choice I believed to be the best one. I’m trying my hardest, and I’m happy.
