Nico Williams sends transfer message to Arsenal ahead of Man Utd clash
He's dropped a hint.
Arsenal transfer target Nico Williams has dropped a hint on his future ahead of Athletic Bilbao’s Europa League semi-final against Manchester United.
The Gunners have been long-time admirers of Williams and failed with a move to sign the 22-year-old following Spain’s success at Euro 2024 last summer.
Barcelona have also been credited with a strong interest in the talented winger, who has a €58 million (£48.4m) release clause in his current deal.
Despite injury problems earlier in the campaign, Williams has still managed to notch up 11 goals and seven assists in all competitions this season.
And the Spain international has particularly impressed in the Europa League, with his goal last Thursday night securing Athletic’s 2-0 aggregate win over Rangers and a place in the final four.
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His side now face United in the semi-final, knowing a win would afford them the opportunity to play in the final at their home stadium in Bilbao.
And while Williams is not overlooking the challenge presented by Ruben Amorim’s side, the forward admitted he has his eyes set on winning the Europa League and playing for his hometown club in the Champions League next season.
‘Every kid wants to play at Old Trafford. We have the goal of winning the Europa League and, next year, to crush the Champions League. Little by little,’ Williams told Spanish publication AS.
‘I think our motto of going ‘on the down low’ is the best. We’re doing very well, and we need to continue like this to reach the final to continue this streak to help the team. The team is extraordinary.
‘We’re going to celebrate this victory. San Mamés deserves it more than anyone. We’re doing very well to reach the semifinal we want. One more step before the final, and hopefully we can get there.’
While Williams may harbour ambitions of playing in the Champions League with Athletic, the release clause in his deal may take the decision out of his hands in the summer.
And with Barcelona reportedly now not interested in a move for Williams this summer, Arsenal could well be the front-runners for the Spaniard’s signature.
Andrea Berta, the Gunners’ new sporting director, is said to have already met the wingers’ representatives to discuss a deal, but the north London will not get a free run at the 22-year-old, with Chelsea and Bayern Munich also still considering a move.
A winger is one of three key positions that Arsenal are keen to upgrade upon this summer, with a striker and another central midfielder also top of their wishlist.
Speaking earlier this week, Arteta insisted that Arsenal should be confident of convincing any player to join them in the summer.
‘I think we are very lucky because we are a football club that every time we have spoken to players, they want to be part of it,’ he said.
‘That is probably something that can generate more enthusiasm or belief, and the fact that I want to be part of these nights now because the club is in a good place. Overall, we are ready, we are strong and we can attract any player.’
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