Arsenal face adversity in pursuit of Nico Williams – European giant takes the lead in transfer race
Arsenal have reportedly fallen behind Bayern Munich in the race to sign Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams.
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Gunners boss Mikel Arteta can currently lean on Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli as his main options on the left wing.
But the club is clearly keen to bring in a top player to secure a first-class left winger before the 2025/26 season.
Williams is among the names that have been mentioned as a possible goalkeeper, but Arsenal could have a tough fight to secure the Spanish international.
Bayern take the lead in pursuit of Williams
According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal have fallen behind Bayern in the race to sign the Spanish striker.
The Bundesliga champions are looking at Williams and Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola as priority targets for the summer transfer window.
Bayern are said to be willing to increase their interest in Williams, and the German giants appear to be ready to trigger his €60 million (£51 million) buyout clause.
Still, Bayern will have to come to an agreement on personal terms with the player, who reportedly earns £6.7 million annually at Athletic.
Why is Williams drawing so much interest?
Williams was heavily linked with a move to Barcelona last summer, but he stayed with Athletic Bilbao when a deal was not realized.
The 22-year-old scored 11 goals and provided 7 assists in 45 games in the 2024/25 season, helping Athletic secure a fourth-place finish in La Liga and reach the semi-finals of the Europa League.
Williams has also shown his talent at national team level, with 6 goals and 7 assists in 28 appearances for Spain.
Having established himself as one of Europe’s most promising attacking players, Williams is still being linked with a move away from San Mamés. But his current club has not given up hope of keeping him.
Athletics president Jon Uriarte has recently stressed that the club is determined to keep Williams, despite rumours of ongoing negotiations over a new contract.
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