As revealed by German publication BILD, Arsenal needs to fend off interest from European giants Bayern Munich if they want to land Athletic Club Bilbao star Nico Williams.
The 22-year-old attracted huge interest from several clubs last summer after overseeing a successful Euro 2024 campaign. Arsenal, Chelsea, and Barcelona were chasing this blockbuster transfer move as the young winger was available for just £50m-£60m.
However, Williams decided to stay at Athletic and admitted that he is happy to continue playing for the La Liga side. He is yet to pen a new contract extension, and he will enter into the final two years of his deal in the upcoming months.
Bayern join Nico Williams race
Arsenal are serious contenders to land the star attacker, and they are already in talks with his representatives. But as per sources, Bundesliga leaders Bayern have also joined this race. They are reaching out to his camp and will be exploring a deal this summer.
The Bavarian giants have abandoned their pursuit of signing Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz and have shifted their focus towards the Spanish winger. They are in search of a wide attacker, as some of their key players might move away in the next transfer window.
🚨 Bayern Munich have renewed their interest in signing Athletic winger Nico Williams but will face competition from Arsenal.
(Source: Bild) pic.twitter.com/6s6pD7yv81
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) March 15, 2025
Leroy Sane’s contract is expiring, Kingsley Coman is already a target for Arsenal, and Serge Gnabry could also attract suitors this summer. Williams is expected to be priced at €60m-€80m (£50.5m-£67.3m).
But any potential club might be reluctant to be drawn into a long transfer saga since the player made a U-turn on his future last year. But there is no harm in placing an offer for any interested clubs.
Can Arsenal beat other suitors for Williams?
Arsenal are aware of the fact that the Athletic star has the skills to evolve into a future superstar. He is a game changer for his club and country at such a young age.
He is an excellent long-term investment, and any team that gets him will benefit from his strong output. The Gunners have issues on the left flank with Gabriel Martinelli showing signs of inconsistency and Leandro Trossard slowly moving into the wrong side of 30s.
The latter is also a target for several Saudi Arabian clubs. Hence, getting the Euro champion will elevate their gameplay to the next level and will also ensure stability in their attack for years to come.
MUST READ: Mikel Arteta keen to sign wantaway Napoli loanee to solve Arsenal’s goal-scoring woes next season
But they also need to deal with threats from rival clubs such as Bayern and Barcelona. The Bundesliga leaders are capable of convincing players to be a key part of their project.
Hence, Mikel Arteta’s side needs to be one step ahead in this race or risk losing such a gem of a player.
