Nico Williams gets contract offer following Arsenal meeting as transfer saga takes surprise turn

Nico Williams’ future looks increasingly destined to end in an almighty fight this summer, with the hostilities stepping up following a meeting between the Athletic Club star and Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta.

The Spain winger has been subject to intense speculation and rumours over his next move for over a year.

Nico resisted interest from Barcelona, Chelsea and Arsenal to stay in Bilbao last summer, and now Athletic are preparing to offer him a contract in a bid to secure a repeat performance, The Mirror reports.

It claims that Arsenal and Barcelona are once again interest in the thrilling winger, while they are joined by Bayern Munich. Chelsea have been tipped to re-enter the talks while Aston Villa are said to have “tested the water” for Nico.

FootballTransfers has previously confirmed that the Gunners have held talks with Williams’ representatives and have been put into pole position for the deal by Berta. Now the San Mames outfit are out to stifle those talks.

Interest is being fuelled by a bargain €58 million release clause in his deal, which Athletic president Jon Uriate is hoping to obliterate by getting the 22-year-old to sign a new contract.

Nico Williams: Staying in Bilbao?

Athletic, who will face Rangers in the Europa League quarter-finals this week, are already protected to some extent by Nico Williams’ sizeable wage packet, with claims that he will have to be made one of Arsenal’s top earners if the Premier League club are to sign him.

The Basque side, though, are looking for further protection.

“Bilbao chief Uriarte plans to present Williams and his representatives with the chance to enter formal contract discussions, though at this stage, sources have stressed there are currently no active talks or negotiations between the parties regarding an extension,” The Mirror states.

It goes on to explain that Athletic are hopeful that naming the Spain star’s older brother, Inaki, as club captain for next season could help persuade him to stay.

Nico Williams has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €71.2m while his current deal expires in June 2027. His release clause, though, means that his future is out of Athletic’s hands.