Arsenal Poised to Pounce for Nico Williams: £87m Release Clause No Barrier to Premier League Dream

Imagine sinking a pint with your Arsenal-mad mate, only for him to whisper that Nico Williams is finally up for grabs. The Spanish speedster from Athletic Bilbao had everyone in a tizzy last summer, nearly packing his bags for Barcelona. But in a plot twist worthy of a soap opera, he snubbed Deco and pals, inking a whopping 10-year deal to stay put with his boyhood club.

Fast forward to now, and James Holland at TEAMtalk reckons the Gunners are leading the pack to lure him to the Premier League. Despite the injury niggles that've hampered his season – just four goals and six assists in 26 games – Williams is still the dazzling winger who lit up Euro 2024, banging in a goal against England in the final, no less.

The Barca U-Turn and Fresh Interest

Last summer, Williams was all set for the Camp Nou. He'd chatted multiple times with Barca's sporting director, and Lamine Yamal was practically begging his Spain teammate to join the party. Then, bam – U-turn. Bilbao's managing director Mikel Gonzalez even hailed him 'world-class' after that Euros heroics.

But contracts in modern football are more like suggestions than shackles, especially with a £87m (€100m) release clause staring suitors in the face. Arsenal sniffed around last year, and intermediaries are now whispering that the 23-year-old is open to a move this summer. Barca got their fingers burned but might dive back in, while Real Madrid have been lurking for years.

Arsenal know the exact number to table, making a deal straightforward if Mikel Arteta fancies unleashing that raw pace down the flank. It's the kind of statement signing that'd have Gooners dreaming of trophies.

Gunners' Wider Wishlist: Wing Wizards Galore

Williams isn't the only flyer on Arsenal's radar. They're eyeing Yan Diomande, the RB Leipzig star also chased by Liverpool and Man United – Fabrizio Romano dropped an update on that front recently. And don't sleep on Anthony Gordon from Newcastle; sources suggest a £75m bid could test the Magpies' resolve, especially after they lost Alexander Isak to Liverpool last year.

Arteta's got his eye on an elite upgrade for Gabriel Martinelli, someone who can chip in with more goals amid the Brazilian's inconsistency. Picture Williams or Gordon bombing forward – terrifying for full-backs, pure joy for neutrals at the pub.

Meanwhile, whispers of swap deals and Martin Ødegaard contract talks swirl, with Arteta reportedly 'happy' about his skipper's future. Liverpool might sting with a €60m bid for an Arsenal speed demon, but that's for another round.

In the end, Williams leaving Bilbao feels inevitable. He's too electric for mid-table La Liga scraps when the Premier League beckons. Arsenal, with their project humming, look best placed to make it happen. Cheers to that – pass the crisps.