Nico Williams: Arsenal could HIJACK deal as transfer plan revealed

Arsenal reportedly remain interested in signing Athletic Club winger Nico Williams this summer, although he appears set to join Barcelona instead.

The 22-year-old has agreed personal terms with the Spanish giants and he is widely expected to link up with international team-mate, and close friend, Lamine Yamal at Camp Nou next season.

However, Williams has been on Arsenal’s radar for over a year and The Athletic have revealed that he remains on the club’s radar, despite his proposed move to Barcelona.

There are some concerns over whether the Blaugrana have the finances to fund a move for Williams, with Athletic Club raising this to La Liga officials last week, and Arsenal could therefore pounce if they opt to offload one of their existing wingers.

The Spaniard is demanding a hefty annual salary to leave Athletic Club and Mikel Arteta’s side could reportedly be required to sell Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard in order to sign Williams if Barcelona fail to agree a deal for his signature.

Barcelona to sign Nico Williams?

Despite interest from Arsenal, Williams is still expected to join Barcelona this summer, and Hansi Flick’s side plan to trigger his €58 million release clause shortly, as per The Athletic.

Reports in Spain indicate that Williams’ proposed move to Camp Nou could be in trouble, however the Blaugrana are set to reach an agreement for his signature and the deal could be finalised at some point over the next week.

In addition to Williams, Arsenal are also interested in the likes of Rodrygo, Anthony Gordon, Noni Madueke, Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze, according to The Athletic.

As exclusively revealed by FootballTransfers in June, Arsenal are weighing up a summer bid for Eze as they look to finalise a deal to bring the Crystal Palace star to the Emirates Stadium ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.

The England international scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists in 43 games last season, and he netted the winner during Palace’s FA Cup final victory over Manchester City in May.

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