Nico Williams: Fabrizio Romano on last minute Arsenal transfer

Fabrizio Romano has poured cold water on reports that Arsenal could sign Nico Williams before the end of the transfer window.

The Gunners have brought in Riccardo Calafiori, Mikel Merino and David Raya permanently this summer but are expected to make one more signing before the end of Deadline Day on Friday.

There have been reports that that signing will be Nico Williams from Athletic.

FootballTransfers reported earlier on Wednesday that Arsenal are still ready to sign Nico Williams from Athletic Club before the end of the transfer window.

However, we added that Arsenal have not made a move to trigger the player’s release fee as he currently has no interest in leaving Athletic Club.

Williams has shown no willingness to move to the Premier League this summer.

Indeed, he has already intimated that he will remain in Bilbao for the next year, with Barcelona having come close to landing him. Only the Camp Nou side’s poor finances blocked a deal, with Nico apparently preferring a move to Catalunya to hook up with his great friend Lamine.

Our report has been backed up by Romano, who says that Arsenal will not be signing Williams.

What did Romano say?

“I don’t think it’s going to be a super big name like Nico Williams,” Romano said.

“I don’t think Nico will be on the move. I saw many reports this week on Arsenal and Nico Williams, but it’s not realistic at all from what I’m hearing.”

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Williams seemingly confirming his decision to stay in a social media video earlier this month.

Barcelona, Arsenal and Chelsea are all fans of Williams, who has a €58 million release clause in his contract.

It has been widely acknowledged that Williams prefers to join Barcelona if he leaves Athletic, where he would form a devastating winger duo with wonderkid Lamine Yamal.

Williams at Euro 2024

Williams was one of the stars of Euro 2024 with electric performances as Spain won the trophy.

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He scored in the 2-1 final win over England and was one of the players of the tournament.

His best performance was arguably against Italy where he tore apart the right-back Giovanni Di Lorenzo and set up the winner – an own goal by Riccardo Calafiori.

He also scored a fantastic goal in the win over Georgia in the last-16.

The 22-year-old Williams is considered one of the most exciting young wingers in all of Europe.

Blessed with lightning pace and dribbling skills, he has a promising future in the game.

After making his debut for Athletic in 2021, Williams has scored 20 goals in 122 games.

He has also scored four goals in 20 games for Spain, and travelled to the 2022 World Cup.