Nico Williams, now an established regular at Athletic Bilbao, has become a sought-after talent as he weighs his next career move. While his brother, Iñaki Williams, has remained loyal to the Basque club, the 21-year-old winger appears more open to a transfer.
Reports suggest Arsenal are preparing to activate Williams’ €50m (£42.6m) release clause. However, the Gunners face stiff competition from Paris Saint-Germain, who are also targeting the young star, and Chelsea, who have added him to their list of potential signings alongside Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta reportedly sees Williams as a key piece in the club’s future. With Gabriel Martinelli’s potential shift to the right wing to support Bukayo Saka, Williams could slot into the left-wing role. This season, the winger has excelled in 36 appearances, tallying 7 goals and 17 assists, primarily from the left flank. Despite already having depth in the form of Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, Arsenal may view Williams as a long-term upgrade to their attacking options.
However, the club’s immediate priority is reportedly securing a reliable center-forward, which could complicate the timing of a move for Williams. Meanwhile, PSG and Chelsea, both with highly competitive squads, are also exploring options to strengthen their attacks, with Williams’ talent and potential making him an attractive prospect.
While Williams’ contract with Bilbao runs until 2027, any club activating his release clause could force a decision. With Arsenal’s interest, PSG’s ambitions, and Chelsea’s recruitment plans all in play, the young winger’s next destination could be one of the most intriguing stories of the upcoming transfer window.