Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has set his sights on Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, with reports suggesting the Spaniard is a long-term admirer of the talented forward.
Could Nico Williams Solve Arsenal’s Creativity Concerns?
However, according to renowned journalist David Ornstein, any potential move for the 22-year-old in January looks unlikely due to financial constraints.
Williams, who burst onto the international stage during the European Championships last summer, has caught the eye of several top clubs.
His standout performance in Spain’s 2-1 win over England in the final solidified his reputation as one of Europe’s brightest young talents.
Since then, the 24-cap Spain international has remained at Athletic Bilbao, continuing to impress with his blistering pace, agility, and creativity on the left wing.
For Arteta, Williams represents a profile that could inject fresh dynamism into Arsenal’s attack, especially with Bukayo Saka sidelined for at least three months due to a hamstring injury.
The Gunners have struggled to find consistency in the final third this season, and the potential addition of Williams could offer much-needed depth and versatility.
Speaking to The Athletic, Ornstein revealed the depth of Arteta’s admiration for the Pamplona-born winger:
“Arteta loves Nico Williams. It’s a long-term admiration. He’d really like to sign him this January, but the finances involved make it unlikely.
Williams has a release clause of just shy of €60 million, which is active now, and that’s a significant hurdle for Arsenal.”
The financial aspect is a sticking point for the Gunners, who are mindful of balancing their spending amid recent investments.
With Gabriel Martinelli struggling for consistency and Saka out of action, Arsenal are exploring all avenues to bolster their squad.
While Williams’ numbers this season—two goals and five assists in 25 appearances, may not jump off the page, his dribbling ability, work rate, and knack for creating chances make him an attractive prospect.
However, Arsenal may need to weigh their options carefully, with alternatives like Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford reportedly on their radar.
For now, Arsenal fans will have to wait and see if their club can pull off what would be a significant coup in the January window.
