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Arsenal to make summer swoop to sign Nico Williams

By Ritayan Chatterjee on March 13, 2024

Arsenal are reportedly keen on signing Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams this summer, as per the Spanish outlet Estadio Deportivo.

The 21-year-old has been attracting a lot of attention from several big clubs around Europe ahead of the summer window with the Gunners reportedly wanting to sign the Spaniard to support Bukayo Saka.

According to the report by Estadio Deportivo, Athletic Bilbao have recently signed Alvaro Djalo from Sporting Braga and the forward plays in a similar position to Williams. So, this could be the indication that the Lions have started to plan their future without Williams.

The report further claims that Arsenal are keen on signing the 21-year-old but the Spanish giants don’t want to let their star man leave in the upcoming window.

However, Estadio Deportivo states that Williams has a £47m release clause included in his current contract and the sum won’t be an issue for Arsenal to lure him to the Emirates Stadium this summer.

Williams to Arsenal

But, the report says that Aston Villa, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are also plotting a swoop for him so Mikel Arteta’s side are set to face tough competition from their rivals in getting any potential deal done for Williams.

Arsenal are likely to reinforce their squad this summer to help Arteta continue the rebuild and challenge on all fronts next campaign. They have reportedly prioritised signing a new prolific striker but strengthening the engine room is also on their wish-list.

The Gunners winter budget was reportedly restricted due to FFP rules and it remains to be seen how much they can afford to spend this summer.

So, considering a big chunk of the summer budget is set to be invested in signing a new striker and midfielder, there is a question mark on how much Arsenal can spend to sign a new winger as well.

Nevertheless, Williams is a highly talented player and would be a great coup for Arsenal if they purchase him. It is going to be interesting to see whether the Emirates club eventually opt to make a concrete approach to lure the youngster away from San Mames this summer.