Arsenal could make a late move for Euro 2024 star – How good is Spain winger Nico Williams?

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€70m market value 

Athletic Club’s Nico Williams has been one of the stories of this summer transfer window. After shining for his nation Spain as they won Euro 2024, the winger became one of the hottest properties in Europe. Amid plenty of interest from many top clubs, he looked destined to sign for Barcelona earlier in the window. The Catalan side were expected to pay his release clause of around €56m, before it appeared he had made a u-turn and committed to staying another season in Bilbao, after being given the number-10 shirt at the club. Reports suggested he wanted to stay one more season, with his longer term aim to eventually join Barca and stay in Spain.

However, this Friday reports have emerged suggesting that William’s is Arsenal’s preferred target for a wide player going into the last week of the transfer window, although there is an acceptance they may have to wait for a major move. The Independent reported that Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is now keen to increase the options in his forward line, with the London club set to secure midfielder Mikel Merino’s move from Real Sociedad imminently. The 22-year-old winger enjoyed a superb season with Athletic Club last term, where he scored five La Liga goals, and provided 14 assists – the joint most in the entire division. He currently boasts a market value of €70m. But just how good is Williams? And what kind of player can we expect? With our expert insight from Spain, here at Transfermarkt we have you covered.

How good is Nico Williams?

Iván Turmo is Transfermarkt’s Area manager in Spain and has watched the development of Williams closely. He explains the impact the young Spaniard is making in La Liga, “Nico Williams is one of the most disruptive players in La Liga and one of the best wingers in international football at the moment. Strong, tremendously fast, and when dribbling he can come out from both sides without a problem.” This versatility and ability to go around the opposing full-back on both sides are vital attributes for top level wingers in the modern game. 

Turmo continues, “He recently renewed his contract with Athletic Club until 2027, after his old contract ended this summer and the rumours about his future have been constant. The most valuable player of the Basque club raised more speculation about his future when he allowed the team to extend his release clause, which until then was €50m. Now, according to The Independent the new figure is around €56m.” That figure could represent a real bargain for a potential suitor this summer. He is currently the joint second most valuable left winger in the world at €70m market value. The only Premier League player in that position worth more is Luis Díaz (€75m), with Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli (€70m), level.

“Williams has finished his fourth season at Athletic Club and is an essential player for coach Ernesto Valverde.” Turmo explained. “His progress has been dazzling, and he has already played in the World Cup in Qatar, where he played four games. After his good European Championship, it seems that Athletic will have problems retaining him this summer, although the player already refused to leave the club when Aston Villa was willing to pay the €50m previously.” It does seem as though the only way Athletic Club can keep Williams this summer will be if the player himself wants to stay. At 22 years old, and with the world at his feet, he may feel now is the time to move on.

Who could Nico Williams sign for this summer?

“I’m very happy at Athletic [Club],” Williams proudly said with his chest when asked about his future recently. “It’s the club that has given me everything, the one that has bet on me 100%. It’s my home. I’m very happy.” Nevertheless, he did inadvertently admit that there’s a chance his future could lye away from the San Mamés stadium next season: “I don’t know what’s going to happen. I have told my agent that I don’t want to know anything until the end of the European Championship.” And after his performances at Euro 2024, there’s no shortage of potential suitors.

Arsenal have the winger on their wish list. One area the Gunners needed to address this summer is adding more pace to their frontline – something Williams boasts in abundance. At just €56m it could represent a smart signing for the Gunners. Whilst Bukayo Saka and Martinelli are strong options to start, the latter is the only real Gunners attacker with raw pace, and had a underwhelming season last campaign. They also have the likes of Leandro Trossard and Jesus who can play out wide, but don’t have the pace of Martinelli. Arsenal have been linked with a number of wingers throughout the window, including Bayern Munich’s Kingsley Coman and Williams. Bringing in another player for that role could perhaps be the difference in the title race, but the Gunners will probably have to sell forwards Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson first.