Arsenal back in for Nico Williams! Gunners to match Athletic Club star's release clause to seal huge January signing

Williams is a long-term target for the Gunners, who wanted to sign him in the summer after his heroics helped Spain to Euro 2024 glory, and Football Transfers reports that a January move is being lined up. Coach Mikel Arteta is keen to add more quality to his attacking ranks, particularly as Bukayo Saka could miss over two months of action after tearing his hamstring during the 5-1 win over Crystal Palace before Christmas. Conversations with Williams' agent will determine whether a transfer is possible this month but Arsenal are ready to pay the €58 million (£48m/$60m) fee required to make the move happen immediately.

Saka's injury leaves Arsenal with Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, Ethan Nwaneri and Raheem Sterling in the wide areas - and though Williams prefers to play on the left-hand side, he could offer cover on the right for now. Williams has long been considered a target for Barcelona but the Catalan club are already struggling to re-register Dani Olmo as they battle with La Liga's financial rules and would likely struggle to finance a major signing this month. With Williams' €58m release clause relatively affordable for a player with such pedigree and potential, this could be Arsenal's moment to swoop.

Lamine Yamal was heralded as the star of Spain's Euro 2024-winning side, at least in attack, but Williams was the player who broke English hearts during the final of the tournament in Berlin. The winger scored the opening goal of the game and won man of the match for his efforts in the showdown, giving Kyle Walker a rough ride down the champions' left-hand side. The tournament was something of a breakthrough for Williams, who is now considered among the most talented wingers in world football and would be a statement signing for Arsenal.

Williams has struggled to carry that summer form into the domestic season, scoring just one league goal and one Europa League goal during 2024-25. It is clear his future lies with one of Europe's biggest hitters, though, and a move to Arsenal makes plenty of sense. Not only could he immediately solve an issue for the Gunners down their right, but a long-term wing partnership with Saka looks a frightening prospect for Premier League defences.