Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Arsenal and Chelsea have their eyes on Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams.
Williams has been making waves this season for Athletic Club as they vie for UEFA Champions League qualification in La Liga, currently sitting fifth, just three points adrift of Atletico Madrid. The winger has showcased his talent with three goals and seven assists in 20 league appearances.
His stellar performances haven’t gone unnoticed, with top clubs across Europe, including those in the Premier League, expressing interest. Romano disclosed in his column for Caught Offside:
“Arsenal have dispatched their scouts to closely monitor Nico Williams of Athletic Bilbao on multiple occasions, and Chelsea is doing the same. The competition is wide open, and there’s been no significant progress with either club thus far.
“He would be a fantastic addition to the Premier League in my view—a player with both physicality and technical prowess; truly exceptional.”
Both London clubs have faced challenges with their attacking lines this season. Arsenal’s main trio of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, and Gabriel Martinelli have only managed a combined total of 17 Premier League goals.
Similarly, Chelsea’s leading trio of Nicolas Jackson, Raheem Sterling, and Mykhaylo Mudryk have contributed just 15 league goals between them. As a result, both clubs are looking to bolster their attacking options in the upcoming transfer window and have identified Williams as a potential target.
The 21-year-old emerged from Athletic Bilbao’s youth system and has notched up 17 goals and 17 assists in 109 senior appearances for the club.
