Arsenal are reportedly poised to activate the €58 million release clause for 22-year-old Nico Williams, the forward from Athletic Club, in an effort to bolster their attack this month.
According to Football Transfers, the Gunners have been on the lookout for a wide attacker during the winter transfer window, and Williams has emerged as a prime target.
The Spaniard has seen his value soar in the past 30 months, particularly after making an impact at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and helping Spain secure the UEFA Euro 2024 title.
Despite not being as prolific in the 2024/25 season, he has contributed two goals and five assists in 23 appearances. His market value remains high, with top clubs like Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, and Barcelona showing interest.
However, Arsenal could be the ones to secure Williams’ signature, as they look to replace the injured Bukayo Saka, who is facing a long-term hamstring issue.
While Arsenal also considered Rafael Leao as a potential target, the high price tag of €75-80 million from AC Milan has led them to explore Williams as a more affordable alternative.
If Arsenal follows through with the €58 million deal, they will need to convince the Spanish international to make the move this winter, making the next few weeks crucial in determining whether he joins the Premier League club.
Mikel Arteta Delivers Key Injury Update On £150K P/W Star Amid Crisis In Key Position
Arsenal are set for a tough match against Brighton & Hove Albion in their second Premier League game of 2025, with additional concerns over their right-back position due to an update on Ben White’s injury status.
The Gunners have been without the English defender since November 2024, after he underwent knee surgery to address a long-standing issue. Mikel Arteta has now provided an update on White’s recovery, mentioning that the defender is still a few weeks away from returning. While there is a possibility he could be back in January, Arteta confirmed that White has not yet rejoined the team for training.
“The knee looks good, he has reacted really well the first few weeks, everything going smoothly and now he needs to start to load in that knee and needs to start to get through many more things that up till now he hasn’t been able to do but hopefully, he’s good. His work ethic is unbelievable, naturally he’s a very gifted player so I’m very positive that we’re going to have him quite early but I don’t know when.”
He stated: “Tomi has done some stuff on the pitch but it was a long-term injury and we need to see how quickly he can progress, and how that knee reacts. But hopefully (he) will be good.”
Arsenal face a dilemma with limited quality right-back options for their upcoming match against Brighton. Jurrien Timber will be unavailable due to a suspension, having received his fifth yellow card of the 2024/25 Premier League season in the recent victory over Brentford.
Mikel Arteta may have to rely on Thomas Partey at right-back or even consider Riccardo Calafiori for the role. The manager will be hoping for a quick recovery from Ben White, who, despite making only 12 appearances this season, is reportedly earning £150,000-a-week at the club.
