Arsenal open talks with Athletic Club for World Cup winner Nico Williams

Arsenal have officially revived their pursuit of Spain international Nico Williams following a frustrating series of setbacks in the summer transfer window.

World Cup Hero Nico Williams Emerges as Arsenal’s Top Left-Wing Target

Sporting director Andrea Berta has held discussions with Athletic Club over the 24-year-old winger, who played a crucial role in Spain’s World Cup triumph.

The Gunners’ renewed interest comes after Chelsea hijacked their move for Morgan Rogers, paying a British record £117 million for the Aston Villa attacker.

Arsenal had made significant progress in negotiations with Rogers, but their reluctance to meet Villa’s valuation allowed the Blues to swoop in.

Further complications arose with uncertainty surrounding Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola, another long-standing target.

Williams, who turned 24 on July 12, arrived at the World Cup carrying an injury and did not start a single game for Spain.

However, he still left an indelible mark on the tournament, providing a clever header assist for Ferran Torres’ extra-time winner in the final against Argentina.

That moment of brilliance has only heightened Arsenal’s determination to bring him to the Emirates.

A release clause in Williams’ contract, which he signed in July 2025 and runs until 2035, makes any potential deal significantly cleaner.

The clause is understood to be worth approximately £77 million (€90 million). That figure falls well within Arsenal’s reach and represents a considerably cheaper option than the £117 million Chelsea will pay for Rogers.

Reports indicate that Arsenal are now prepared to trigger that clause as they view Williams as their leading attacking target.

Mikel Arteta has long admired the Spanish winger, previously describing him as a “fantastic player”.

With Leandro Trossard already departed for Besiktas and Gabriel Martinelli reportedly available for the right price, Arteta urgently needs to reinforce the left side of his attack.

Williams fits the profile perfectly his explosive pace, direct dribbling, and creativity make him an ideal candidate to become a starter.

Crucially, Spanish sources indicate that Williams is attracted by a move to the Premier League and views Arsenal as an “attractive destination”.

However, convincing the player to leave his boyhood club remains a challenge, as he signed a long-term contract only last year and is understood to be happy at Athletic.

The decision ultimately rests with the player, and securing his agreement may prove just as difficult as meeting the financial conditions of the deal.

For now, Arsenal continue to weigh several attacking options, but Williams has firmly returned to the top of their shortlist.

The coming weeks will likely determine whether the Gunners can finally complete a transfer they have pursued for several seasons.