Arsenal are preparing to enter a potential bidding war with Liverpool this summer over the transfer of highly-rated Spain star Nico Williams. The 20-year-old has been having an excellent season at Athletic Bilbao, and inevitable interest has duly followed.
As reported by Calciomercato, Mikel Arteta is keen to add the in-demand forward to his ranks for next season. However, the Gunners face fierce competition, with Liverpool also said to be after the attacker’s services.
Across 27 games this campaign, Williams has accumulated some impressive numbers, scoring seven goals and providing six assists in his breakthrough season for the Basque club. Such has been Williams’ respectable performances and numbers, he earned a place in Luis Enrique's Spain squad for the 2022 World Cup, and played all four games in Qatar.
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The winger is only under contract with his current club until the summer of 2024, and is yet to sign a new deal to extend that. As such, speculation continues to mount, with pressure growing on Williams to make a move to a Champions League club at the end of this season.
Arsenal are keen to place themselves at the front of the queue, with Athletic likely to be forced to sell this summer if Williams does not renew. The younger brother of teammate Inaki Williams, the Gunners join both Liverpool and Aston Villa in showing an interest in acquiring the exciting talent.
Williams would fill a void that has become apparent in Arteta’s squad over the course of this season. Cover for Bukayo Saka on the right-hand side has been in short supply, following both Nicolas Pepe and Marquinhos being loaned out to Nice and Norwich City respectively.
With Saka frequently being the subject of close attention by opposition defenders, this lack of depth remains a cause for concern should the England star be forced out of action. After joining Athletic from Osasuna's academy in 2013, Williams has since made 69 senior appearances having progressed through their youth ranks.
He has rewarded the faith shown in him with 10 goals and seven assists in an Athletic shirt, while his seven appearances for the Spain national team has been met with a solitary goal and assist each. Liverpool’s need could be said to be equally prevalent, as Jurgen Klopp’s side seek a long-term replacement for 30-year-old Mohamed Salah.
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