Arsenal Lead Hunt for €100m Athletic Club Star Williams as Left-Wing Overhaul Continues

The race for Athletic Club's Nico Williams looks set to intensify come summer, with Arsenal positioned as the leading English suitors for the Spanish winger.

The Gunners made their pitch last summer, only to watch Williams opt for talks with Barcelona instead. But a stunning twist followed when the 22-year-old put pen to paper on a mammoth 10-year deal in July, seemingly shutting down any exit talk. Yet the contract contains an £87million (€100m) release clause—a detail that keeps the door firmly ajar for interested parties.

This season has tested Williams' credentials, with injury setbacks limiting his impact in La Liga. Nevertheless, fresh reports suggest he's now open to exploring his options once again, with Arsenal preparing to launch a fresh assault on his signature.

Mikel Arteta's men have history with this particular pursuit, and insiders tip them to come calling again as the transfer window opens. Barcelona remain interested too, while Real Madrid are also understood to be monitoring developments, should a move materialise into something concrete.

Arsenal aren't putting all their eggs in one basket, however. RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande represents an alternative path for the left-wing vacancy left by Gabriel Martinelli's struggles. The Ivorian has actually enjoyed a superior campaign to Williams this term, though he remains a more raw prospect lacking the experience and pedigree of his Athletic counterpart. Williams' Euro 2024 heroics—capped by a goal in Spain's final victory over England—showcase his elite credentials. Diomande carries a matching €100m price tag, creating an interesting decision point for the Arsenal hierarchy.

Newcastle's Anthony Gordon is another name circulating in Arteta's orbit. The England international has impressed with 15 goals and five assists across 40 appearances, though nine of those strikes have come from the penalty spot. His flawless conversion rate from 12 yards demonstrates a mental fortitude Martinelli simply hasn't matched. The stumbling block here is valuation: Arsenal see £75m as fair value, whilst Newcastle are holding firm at £95m.

Should the Williams deal collapse and Diomande prove unattainable, Gordon remains a realistic domestic option—provided the two clubs can bridge that eye-watering £20m gulf.