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Arsenal make contact to sign Nico Williams

By on July 22, 2026

Nico-Williams-Spain

Arsenal have made contact over a deal to sign Spanish international left winger Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao this summer, according to TEAMtalk. 

Williams has established himself as one of the finest wide players in world football over the last two seasons, representing both club and country with real distinction.

Bilbao brought him in from Osasuna’s academy back in 2013, when he was just 11, and he subsequently progressed through the club’s U18 and U19 setups before spending time with the reserve side in Segunda División.

He made his senior bow for the Basque club on 28 April 2021, replacing Jon Morcillo in a 2-2 stalemate with Real Valladolid. Notably, his brother Iñaki featured in the same fixture, making it the first occasion since 1986 — when Julio and Patxi Salinas turned out together — that two siblings from the same academy had shared a pitch for Bilbao

Since that debut, the winger has racked up 199 appearances for the club, contributing to 74 goals in total, 14 of which came in the campaign just gone.

The 24-year-old has also become an integral member of the Spanish national team, playing a pivotal part in their triumph at Euro 2024 and their subsequent success at this year’s World Cup.

Now, according to TEAMtalk, Arsenal have made contact over the potential transfer of Williams to the Emirates Stadium this summer.

Williams to Arsenal

Despite missing out on their initial targets, the report adds that the Gunners remain keen on bolstering their wide options with a marquee addition, and they are now assessing the possibility of signing the Spaniard, with his pace, directness and creativity seen as viable qualities for their attack.

After missing out on Morgan Rogers as well as uncertainties surrounding Bradley Barcola’s probable departure from Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta has held talks over signing Williams ahead of other interested clubs, including Liverpool, as per the report.

Having recently extended his contract, TEAMtalk adds that Bilbao inserted a release clause around £77m in his deal, which is within the north London club’s reach, with the winger also attracted by the prospect of joining the Premier League champions should he decide to depart Bilbao this summer.

Following Leandro Trossard’s departure, Williams would be a good option to provide an equal level of attacking threat to Mikel Arteta’s attack.

Should he join Arsenal, Arteta would be handed a superior attacking depth on the left alongside Christos Tzolis, who joined from Club Brugge after providing 51 goal contributions last season.