Gunners lose in pursuit of Nico Williams

Under the management of Mikel Arteta, Arsenal are one of the most exciting teams to watch in the Premier League, and any player would undoubtedly be delighted to be considered for the North London club.

Although the Gunners have only won one FA Cup during his time at the club, Arsenal have gone from strength to strength as they chip away at Man City’s domestic dominance.

Pep Guardiola’s side have started the 2024-25 season in ominous form, but they are unlikely to maintain that pace for the entire season.

Arsenal lose Nico Williams

Arteta must therefore ensure that the people of North London are ready to take advantage when City are in a slump.

The summer transfer window was quiet compared to his contemporaries. Only Riccardo Calafiori, Raheem Sterling, Neto and Mikel Merino crossed the line. The latter was injured during his first training session with his new club.

There is a strong case to be made for the argument that Arsenal did not need to invest any money at all in the transfer window, but instead made occasional signings in specific areas where Arteta felt they needed reinforcement.

One player they apparently overlooked was Athletic Club’s brilliant winger, Nico Williams.

The 22-year-old enjoyed a spectacular Euro 2024 tournament, causing chaos on his left flank and scoring in the final against England.

Barcelona were also closely linked with the transfer, but the transfer ultimately fell through.

That will likely change in the summer of 2025. Sport reports that everything is still in place to guarantee Williams’ move to Catalonia.

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Williams has only signed a contract with Athletic until next summer and has not yet signed a new contract.

Barca’s financial problems this summer meant they missed out on a successful signing, but with new sponsorship deals in the pipeline, Williams’ transfer fee is not expected to be an issue if the signing goes through in a year’s time.