5 months ago
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Arsenal have Spain’s Nico Williams on their summer shortlist with Mikel Arteta targeting a new attacker, according to reports.
The 21-year-old was one of Athletic Bilbao’s standout performers last season with five goals and 11 assists in La Liga.
And he’s carried that form into Euro 2024 as he delivered a brilliant display in the 1-0 win against Italy on Thursday evening which earned him UEFA’s Player of the Match award.
Williams is likely to attract the interest of several clubs this summer and the winger’s availability has been made easier due to the €55 million (£46.5m) release clause in his contract with Athletic Bilbao.
According to The Athletic, Arsenal are considering a move for Williams as Arteta views him as ‘one of his preferred options’ if the club push ahead with a move to sign a new attacking player.
However, the report claims that Chelsea also have Williams on their radar, while Barcelona are also in the market for a new winger and have the mercurial Spain international as a target.
When asked about his future last week, Williams said: ‘I’ve seen reports talking about my future, but honestly I have no clue of anything.
‘Right now, I want to focus on the Euros and nothing else.
‘I am so happy in Bilbao, I signed a new deal and performed well last season. I feel at home, but I don’t know what I will do. Nobody can tell you about the future.’
Meanwhile, Athletic Bilbao’s president, Jon Uriarte, has attempted to play down the speculation over Williams’ future.
‘Nico is very happy in Bilbao and in Athletic and has commented on this many times,’ Uriarte said.
‘We are very happy with Nico.’
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