BREAKING NEWS:‼️ Liverpool and Barcelona came with a good offer but I choose to join Arsenal because of this particular Arsenal player,I don’t want anything that will jeopardize our friendship and I hope I won’t regret my decisions later”, Nico Williams named the ONE Arsenal player that convinced Him to accept Arsenal offer

Arsenal target Nico Williams as Valverde hopes to block summer exit

Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams is back on Arsenal’s radar, but his current manager Ernesto Valverde is doing everything he can to keep the 22-year-old in the Basque Country beyond this summer.

Williams has enjoyed an impressive season in La Liga and in Europe, drawing strong interest from some of the biggest clubs on the continent — including Arsenal, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, and Barcelona.

With the summer window fast approaching, Arsenal are once again preparing to act.

Arsenal reignite Nico Williams interest

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The Gunners were first linked with Williams following his eye-catching performances for Spain at Euro 2024, and although a deal failed to materialise last summer, the interest has never truly gone away.

Now, with injuries to Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, and Bukayo Saka having disrupted their title push this season, Mikel Arteta is prioritising attacking reinforcements — and Williams is high on the list.

According to fresh reports, new sporting director Andrea Berta has already opened talks with the player’s representatives. Williams has a €58 million (£48.4m) release clause, making him an accessible option for a club with Arsenal’s financial muscle.

This season, Williams has registered 11 goals and 7 assists across all competitions — a return that highlights his attacking productivity and makes him one of Europe’s standout wide forwards.

Valverde: “We want him to stay for many years”

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Speaking ahead of their Europa League semi-final against Manchester United, Athletic Bilbao boss Ernesto Valverde made it clear where he stands:

“He has had a very good season and there has been some speculation. We hope that he is with us next season and for many years because we want to have the best players.”

Despite the public show of confidence, there’s growing acceptance that Athletic may not be able to keep Williams if a serious offer arrives — especially with Champions League football not yet guaranteed.

A deal Arsenal must consider seriously

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At 22, Williams is exactly the kind of wide attacker Arsenal lack in depth. His acceleration, directness, and final-third creativity offer something different from Saka and Martinelli, and would allow Mikel Arteta to rotate without sacrificing impact.

Moreover, his ability to play on either flank and work hard off the ball makes him tactically flexible — a trait Arteta values highly.

Arsenal have the edge over other suitors in terms of project stability, title contention, and Champions League continuity. If the Gunners decide to activate his release clause, the deal could move quickly.

All eyes on Thursday

Williams is expected to start against Manchester United in the Europa League semi-final first leg at San Mamés. With both teams fighting for different forms of European qualification, the spotlight will be firmly on the young winger — and Arsenal’s scouting department will be watching closely.

If he impresses again, don’t be surprised if the North London club make their intentions official sooner rather than later.