NIC OF TIME Arsenal weighing up shock late transfer swoop for Nico Williams as Spain striker’s bargain release clause emerges
Posted Saturday, August 24, 2024 by Thesun.co.uk
SPAIN winger Nico Williams has reportedly emerged as a top transfer target for Arsenal.
The 22-year-old impressed for La Roja during Euro 2024 this summer.
Arsenal want to sign Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao Credit: Getty
He scored two goals in Germany, one of which was against England in the final.
And his impressive form attracted interest from some of Europe's biggest clubs.
Barcelona, Chelsea and Liverpool are among those monitoring the Athletic Bilbao ace.
But according to The Independent, Arsenal could strike first.
Williams is understood to be Arsenal's top target heading into the final week of the transfer window.
The winger has a £48million release clause in his current contract - a relative bargain in the current transfer market.
However, at this stage he is reluctant to leave Athletic Bilbao.
Williams was given the No10 shirt by the club last week and allegedly has ambitions to eventually join Barcelona.
If Arsenal cannot sign the Spaniard before the window shuts next Friday, they will likely switch strategy.
It is believed Mikel Arteta could alternatively go for a player that may not necessarily be guaranteed to start, much like Leandro Trossard.
The Belgium international signed for Arsenal in a £27million transfer from Brighton last January after the Gunners missed out on Mykhailo Mudryk.
Trossard has since scored 18 goals and provided 12 assists in 69 appearances.
One player who could fit that mould is Ademola Lookman, who was recently linked with a switch to the Emirates.
Arsenal have already signed Riccardo Calafiori this summer.
The Italian joined in a £42m move from Bologna last month.
They are also on the verge of announcing Mikel Merino as a new addition, having agreed a £33m deal with Real Sociedad.
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