Chelsea are well placed ahead of Arsenal to sign Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, according to Spanish publication Sport (page 10).
Williams is currently one of the most-sought after young wingers in European football and he was brilliant for Spain at Euro 2024 with two goals and one assist.
The 22-year-old also registered eight goals and 19 assists for Bilbao last season and he is now hopeful that a big club will trigger his £49 million release clause.
Arsenal and Chelsea are mentioned as potential candidates to sign him ahead of Barcelona, who can’t enter the race until their financial restrictions are lifted.
Meanwhile, Sport add that Chelsea have done plenty of groundwork on the youngster and they are ‘well placed’ and even ahead of Arsenal in the transfer race.
The Gunners have the Spaniard high on their transfer wishlist, but they only consider him as an option on the right wing to strengthen the squad for next season.
Arsenal could miss out on Williams due to playing time
Williams had an exceptional season with Bilbao with 27 goal contributions. He helped them win the Copa del Rey title and went on to star for Spain at the European Championship.
He is clearly enjoying the best phase of his career and seems keen on leaving Bilbao before pre-season training. In our view, Arsenal face a potential roadblock in signing him.
The Gunners are more than capable of meeting the price tag and his wage demands, having qualified for the Champions League for the second year running under manager Mikel Arteta.
However, the big question is whether they can guarantee him a regular starting role. It seems unlikely.
Saka is an assured starter on the right wing for the London giants and he is unlikely to be dropped. Arsenal seem to consider Williams as a potential deputy to the Englishman.
The Gunners already have multiple options on the left wing. Leandro Trossard had a fantastic season with 17 goals while Gabriel Martinelli has been a good performer in recent years.
This could hamper their prospects of landing Williams compared to Chelsea for example. The Blues are still searching for permanent solutions on either flank under their new manager.
Williams has a genuine chance of securing a starting role with the Blues. Barcelona could also grant him the same on the left wing if La Liga were to lift their spending restrictions.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
