Nico Williams tells Athletic Bilbao ‘he wants to leave’ as Arsenal get final answer

Arsenal are keen to add an elite left-winger to their squad this summer with Athletic Bilbao and Spain wideman high up on their list of potential signings despite interest from Barcelona

Arsenal target Nico Williams has told Athletic Bilbao that he wants to leave the club and join Barcelona during the summer window. The Spaniard was expected to be at the heart of a transfer tug of war this summer following his brilliant performances for the La Liga side and his national team.

Arsenal had identified him as an ideal addition to the left flank, with Mikel Arteta keen to add to his attacking options. But it appears that the Gunners’ pursuit of the 22-year-old will end in frustration.

Barcelona are now the favourites to sign Williams from their La Liga rivals, with the winger doing all he can to force through a move to Catalonia. According to The Athletic, Williams has informed Bilbao that he intends to leave the club for their La Liga rivals.

Williams has reportedly already agreed personal terms with the La Liga giants and are set to activate a €60million (£50m) release clause written into his deal. However, they will not push through a deal until at least July so that his signing can be included in next season’s financial accounts.

Meanwhile, Barcelona still need to ensure they have enough space in their salary limit in order to register him ahead of next season. Speaking about a potential deal for Williams, Barcelona sporting director Deco said: “We need to strengthen in this position.

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“As wingers, we only really have Lamine [Yamal] and Raphinha. From there, there are names coming out and it will come down to price and quality.

“Nico was there last year but for me, at that time, Dani Olmo was the priority. Now. the same as with other players, Nico is showing a strong desire to come … And if the right conditions are met in his case, we’ll definitely try to complete the deal.

“There’s a process with any signing: speaking with agents, clubs, knowing the contractual situation … Nico’s case it clear because he has a release clause. We’ve met with his agent to see what he wants and we will see if it’s possible.”

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Williams netted 11 goals and notched seven assists for Bilbao last season, while he also shone for Spain last summer as Spain won the Euros. His desire to move to Barcelona could leave Arsenal looking elsewhere for wide recruits.

Real Madrid winger Rodrygo has also been linked with a move to the Emirates this summer. He did not play a single minute for Real in their recent Club World Cup clash against Mexican side Pachuca.

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