Arsenal are in negotiations with the agent of Nico Williams and are prepared to activate his release clause to bring him to North London this month.
The Spanish winger has been a long-term target for the Gunners, who were interested in signing him last summer after his standout performances helped Spain secure Euro 2024 glory.
According to Football Transfers, Arsenal are now planning a January move.
Mikel Arteta is eager to strengthen his attacking options, particularly after Bukayo Saka’s injury setback.
Saka could be sidelined for over two months after suffering a hamstring tear during Arsenal’s 5-1 win over Crystal Palace just before Christmas.
The outcome of talks with Williams’ agent will determine if a transfer is possible this month, but Arsenal are ready to pay the €58million (£48m/$60m) release clause required to secure the 21-year-old’s services immediately.
With Saka out of action, Arsenal are left with Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, Ethan Nwaneri, and Raheem Sterling as their wide attacking options.
Though Williams prefers to play on the left wing, he could offer valuable cover on the right in the short term.
While Williams has been a long-standing target for Barcelona, the Catalan club are facing financial difficulties and are struggling to re-register Dani Olmo due to La Liga’s strict financial regulations.
This financial strain means they would likely struggle to fund a significant signing in January.
Arsenal, however, could seize the opportunity to bring in Nico Williams, whose €58m release clause is relatively affordable for a player with his talent and potential.
This could be the Gunners’ moment to strike.
Williams was one of the standout performers for Spain during their Euro 2024-winning campaign.
While Lamine Yamal earned plaudits as the star of the tournament’s attack, it was Williams who struck a decisive blow against England in the final.
The winger scored the opening goal and was named man of the match for his dynamic performance, consistently tormenting England’s Kyle Walker down Spain’s left flank.
The tournament marked a major breakthrough for Williams, who is now regarded as one of the most talented wingers in world football.
A move to Arsenal would not only be a statement signing but could also solve an immediate issue for the Gunners on the right wing.
Though Williams has struggled to replicate his Euro 2024 form domestically, with just one league goal and one Europa League goal in the 2024-25 season, his future undoubtedly lies with one of Europe’s top clubs.
A move to Arsenal would make perfect sense, both to fill the void left by Saka’s injury and to form a potentially lethal long-term partnership with the English winger.
Together, they could pose a significant threat to Premier League defences.
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