Arsenal have been given a lift in their battle to sign Euro 2024 star Nico Williams, as one of the winger’s own Athletic Club teammates has told him to snub the advances of Barcelona.
Williams has developed into one of Athletic’s best and most important players, having notched eight goals and 19 assists in 37 games last season. The left-sided attacker managed an assist in the Copa del Rey final too, as Athletic beat Mallorca and won their first trophy in 40 years.
Williams’ stock rose hugely at Euro 2024, as he put in yet more devastating performances and chipped in with two goals and one assist to help Spain win the tournament for the first time since 2012.
Athletic managed to keep the 22-year-old during the January transfer window as he penned a new contract which runs until June 2027. But that fresh deal includes a £50m release clause, which represents fantastic value for money for a player of Williams’ quality and potential.
Arsenal are the Premier League club who have been the most heavily linked with a swoop for Williams, while there is also interest from Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.
On Thursday, Barca president Joan Laporta reiterated that he is pursuing the electric Spaniard. When asked about Williams, the club chief told reporters: “Our financial situation has improved a lot.
