Arsenal retain interest in Nico Williams as €90m release clause remains in play
Nico Williams has remained on Arsenal's radar since the summer of 2024, when the Gunners watched the Spain winger closely during the European Championship and identified him as a priority attacking target. Despite two separate attempts to land him, the deal has never materialised, but a fresh route to signing him may still exist.
Arsenal first tried to sign Williams after his breakout Euros campaign, only for the winger to opt to stay at Athletic Club. The north London club returned with another approach last summer, but by that point Williams had already committed his long term future to the Basque side, signing a new contract reportedly worth ten seasons.
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A release clause offers a way through
A deal of that length would normally rule out any quick transfer, but according to Fichajes, Williams' contract includes a release clause worth €90 million, a common feature in La Liga agreements. That clause would, in theory, allow Arsenal to sign him without needing Athletic Club's cooperation in negotiations.
Williams started this season dealing with fitness problems but has reportedly improved his form in recent weeks, which has in turn renewed Arsenal's interest in his situation, per the same report.
Why Arsenal still need a left winger
The position remains a genuine area of need for Arteta's squad. Arsenal have not brought in a replacement left winger since selling Gabriel Martinelli late in the last transfer window, leaving Christos Tzolis as the only recognised natural option on that side of the attack.
Williams would bring pace, directness and the ability to beat defenders one on one, qualities that would add a different dimension to Arsenal's forward line. His World Cup winning pedigree with Spain only adds to his profile as a difference maker in wide areas.
Even so, €90 million is a significant outlay for a player whose fitness has been inconsistent this season and whose preference to stay in Spain has already been made clear twice. Arsenal will need to weigh that financial commitment carefully against the scale of their need on the left side of attack.
For now, the release clause keeps the possibility alive rather than confirming any concrete move. Arsenal's business in that position may become clearer as the January window approaches and the scale of their need becomes more pressing.
