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Arsenal 'keeping a close eye on Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams'

Arsenal 'keeping a close eye on Athletic's Nico Williams'
© Reuters
Arsenal could allegedly make a move for Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams during this summer's transfer window.

Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams is reportedly being monitored by Arsenal, with the North London club considering a move for him during this summer's transfer window.

There was a host of speculation surrounding the Spain international's future towards the end of last year, but he ultimately signed a new contract at San Mames, which is due to run until June 2027.

The release clause in the attacker's deal is believed to be €50m (£43m), which is unlikely to put off interested clubs, with Manchester United and Barcelona also thought to be admirers.

According to The Mirror, Mikel Arteta's side have been 'making checks' on Williams, with the Premier League team preparing to sign a new winger during this summer's transfer window.

The report claims that bringing in competition for Bukayo Saka is a priority for the club, with Wolverhampton Wanderers' Pedro Neto also being considered.

Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams in action with Atletico Madrid's Rodrigo de Paul on February 19, 2023© Reuters

There is expected to be a host of movement in and out at the Emirates Stadium this summer, with Thomas Partey, Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah potentially being allowed to depart.

Williams' ability to operate off either wing is believed to have made him an even more attractive proposition for Arsenal, with the club looking for depth in the wide areas.

The 21-year-old has been in impressive form for Athletic during the 2023-24 campaign, scoring five goals and registering 10 assists in 24 appearances in all competitions.

Williams has three goals and seven assists in 20 La Liga appearances, with Ernesto Valverde's side currently fifth in the table, just three points behind fourth-placed Atletico Madrid.

Nico Williams celebrates scoring for Athletic Bilbao in January 2022© Reuters

The Spaniard has also netted twice and provided three assists in four Copa del Rey appearances for a team in the semi-finals of the competition.

Williams provided an assist in Athletic's 4-0 win over Mallorca in the league last weekend, but he did not feature in Wednesday's Copa del Rey semi-final first leg with Atletico due to a minor injury.

The forward has been with Athletic since 2013, progressing through the various youth sides before making his first-team debut in April 2021.

Williams has featured on 109 occasions for the Lions in all competitions, scoring 17 goals and registering 17 assists in the process.

The attacker has also scored twice and provided four appearances in 11 appearances for Spain, and he represented his country at the 2022 World Cup.

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