Arsenal are reportedly preparing to explore a move for Athletic Club winger Nico Williams as Mikel Arteta looks for another explosive wide option.
CaughtOffside reports that the Gunners have turned attention towards the Spain international, with his release clause understood to sit around the €90m mark.
The interest lands at a telling point in Arsenal’s summer. Andrea Berta is already working through a congested attacking market, with the Premier League champions linked to several elite forwards before competitive action resumes.
Williams has also publicly projected loyalty to Athletic Club. Fabrizio Romano shared his comments last month, with the winger saying he would sign off on staying at the Basque club for the rest of his career.
Arteta Wants A Different Wide Threat
Williams would give Arsenal a more direct left-sided profile than most of Arteta’s current options. His acceleration, one-v-one carrying and ability to attack the outside channel make him a natural fit for a side that has sometimes needed more chaos against compact defensive blocks.
The difficulty is clear. Athletic have no reason to negotiate softly, and Williams’ public stance makes any deal more complicated than simply paying the clause.
That is why the release clause matters. Arsenal may have to decide whether Williams is worth a premium outlay rather than entering a drawn-out negotiation.
There is also a wider strategic question. ReadArsenal has already covered Arsenal’s interest in Bradley Barcola, with the PSG winger viewed as an alternative to Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers.
Williams sits between those ideas. He is expensive, proven at a high level and still young enough to become a long-term Arteta cornerstone.
If Berta advances the move, it would suggest Arsenal are looking beyond simple depth. They would be chasing a winger capable of changing the ceiling of the attack.
