Arsenal are now amongst the clubs with the most interest in the transfer of Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams. The forward is also a transfer target of Aston Villa manager Unai Emery.
That is according to Calciomercato, which reports Williams has now piqued the interests of Arsenal and Liverpool. The Premier League rivals are now the two sides signalling the most intent about a move this summer. They also note that he is yet to agree to a new contract.
Williams’ existing deal expiring in June 2024 has enticed Arsenal and Liverpool to explore a transfer with real determination. He has not signed new terms at San Mames since the 20-year-old got his first senior deal in January 2022. Yet the winger is a vital first-team player.
Ernesto Valverde has started Williams in 21 of the Lehoiak’s 22 La Liga matches so far this season. He has further fielded the forward in Athletic Bilbao’s starting line-up during their five Copa del Rey ties so far. While Williams has offered seven goals and six assists, as well.
The Basque outfit’s academy product also earned his senior Spain debut in September and now boasts seven caps. Luis Enrique also gave the forward his first start for La Roja against Japan at the 2022 World Cup. Williams featured in all four of his country’s fixtures in Qatar.
Arsenal are pushing to beat Aston Villa to Williams’ transfer from Athletic Bilbao
Williams’ performances for Athletic Bilbao and Spain have convinced Arsenal and Liverpool to now target his transfer this summer. But Mikel Arteta and Jurgen Klopp will also have to fend off interest from Unai Emery. The Aston Villa boss is also a huge admirer of the winger.
That is according to the Daily Mail, which reported earlier this month that Emery is pushing Aston Villa to target Williams’ transfer from Athletic Bilbao again. He is desperate to sign the Pamplona-born dynamo who just rejected a move to Villa Park during the January window.
Williams’ opposition to moving teams mid-season will not stop Aston Villa from chasing his transfer again. The Daily Mail also reported this January that the Birmingham natives were ready to trigger the £45m release clause in the winger’s contract at San Memes to get him.
Aston Villa even prepared a contract worth in excess of £120k-a-week to convince Williams of the transfer from Athletic Bilbao. Emery is convinced the forward would add energy and dynamism to their attack. Inaki Williams, his brother, also lauds what he offers the Lehoiak.
“Physically, I’m a tad superior and even though I’m eight years older than him, in the 100-meters I still give him cramps,” Inaki noted, via quotes by Mundo Deportivo, in September. “In one-on-ones, on the other hand, he’s practically unstoppable.”
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