Less than 24 hours after Spain lifted the 2026 World Cup trophy, Arsenal are looking to make their move. Sporting director Andrea Berta has reopened talks over Athletic Club winger Nico Williams, whose dazzling cameo in the final against Argentina reminded everyone why he’s one of Europe’s most exciting attackers.
The timing isn’t a coincidence. Arsenal’s top target, Morgan Rogers, just slipped through their fingers and landed at Chelsea for a British-record £117m. The Gunners now need a Plan B — and Williams, with his accessible £77m release clause, might be exactly that.
Why Arsenal Want Williams Now
Arsenal’s interest in Williams isn’t new. It stretches all the way back to 2024, when journalist David Ornstein first revealed the club’s admiration for the Spaniard. But back then, Barcelona were leading the race. Williams ultimately stayed at Athletic, signing a long-term deal that runs until 2035.
So what’s changed?
For starters, the Morgan Rogers saga stung. Arsenal had made the Aston Villa man their priority forward target this summer. Then Chelsea swooped in with £117m, agreed personal terms, and shut the door. That left Arteta’s side scrambling for alternatives.
Bradley Barcola at PSG was another option. But with Paris reportedly demanding €150m and coach Luis Enrique reluctant to sell, that route looks complicated.
Enter Williams. His release clause of around €90m (roughly £77m) gives Arsenal a clear, negotiation-free path. No drawn-out talks with Athletic Club. Pay the clause, and the conversation shifts directly to the player.
A World Cup Final That Changed Everything
Williams came off the bench in Sunday’s final at MetLife Stadium and changed the game. He created two clear chances, maintained 95% passing accuracy, and delivered the assist that settled things.
In the 106th minute, he surged down the left flank and cushioned a brilliant header into Ferran Torres’ path. Torres swept home. Spain won 1-0.
He even had a goal of his own ruled out for a foul by Mikel Merino on Nicolas Otamendi. On another night, he’d have been the scorer and the creator.
After the match, Williams was emotional. He told Caze TV he dedicated the win to his idol, Neymar.
His tournament wasn’t straightforward. A pubalgia issue limited him to just 20 La Liga starts last season. Then a reckless tackle from Uruguay’s Nicolas De La Cruz in the group stage forced him out of two matches. He only returned as a substitute against Belgium in the quarter-finals.
But when it mattered most, he delivered.
Can Arsenal Actually Get This Done?
Here’s the tricky part. Williams himself said just last month that he’d happily stay at Athletic Club forever. Fabrizio Romano shared his comments on social media, with the winger stating he’d sign off on remaining at the Basque club for the rest of his career.
That’s loyalty. But it’s also leverage — and football moves fast.
The Premier League reportedly appeals to Williams. Arsenal’s growing Spanish contingent, which includes key figures in Arteta’s setup, could help sway the decision. And there’s genuine interest from the player’s side, according to TEAMtalk’s sources, in exploring a move if the right project comes along.
Liverpool have tracked Williams too. But it’s Arsenal who are stepping up right now.
Williams has 74 goal contributions in 199 Athletic Club appearances. He’s won Euro 2024 and the World Cup in back-to-back summers. He’s 24. That profile doesn’t come around often.
Whether Berta can convince him to leave Bilbao remains the biggest question. The release clause removes the club from the equation. This is purely between Arsenal and the player.
With pre-season about to kick off, the Gunners don’t have forever. But if Sunday’s World Cup final proved anything, it’s that Williams is worth the chase.
