Arsenal announced the signing of Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad on Tuesday – but another player could soon follow the Spain international to north London.
With just hours remaining until the transfer window closes at 11pm on Friday 30th August, Arsenal have only made two additions in the form of Riccardo Calafiori and Merino – while David Raya’s loan from Brentford was turned into a permanent deal.
Now – however – a fourth signing which seemed very unlikely for Arsenal could now be in the pipeline, after a surprise development over in Spain…
Athletic Bilbao No.10 Nico Williams randomly benched by Ernesto Valverde amid rumours Arsenal could bid
After his stunning UEFA Euro 2024 campaign with Spain this summer, Athletic Bilbao No.10 Nico Williams has been strongly linked with a move to Arsenal.
The 22-year-old scored two goals and provided one assist in six appearances at the tournament in Germany this summer to ensure Spain took the trophy home.
Charles Watts recently claimed that Arsenal could still sign Williams before Friday’s deadline by triggering his £46m release clause – like the Gunners did when taking Thomas Partey from Atletico Madrid right at the end of the 2020 summer transfer window.
Still, it seemed like a far fetched deal, especially after the man from Pamplona decided to take the iconic No.10 shirt at Athletic Bilbao – which was recently vacated by club legend Iker Muniain.
Now – however – Williams has suddenly been dropped by Ernesto Valverde for Athletic Bilbao’s La Liga clash against Valencia tonight (Wednesday 28th August).
The Spain international is arguably Athletic Bilbao’s best player, and typically begins every game when possible, having made 29 starts in La Liga last season.
Williams – who is believed to be open to joining Arsenal – was fit enough to start Athletic Bilbao’s most recent game, a 2-1 defeat to Barcelona on Saturday, so his surprise presence on the bench against Valencia adds plenty of fuel to the fire amid links to north London.
Deal for Spain international would almost certainly see Reiss Nelson leave
If Arsenal do sign Williams, it is presumably set to bring an end to Reiss Nelson’s career at Arsenal.
A story from TEAMtalk states that Fulham are now looking to sign Nelson after already landing Emile Smith Rowe from Arsenal – with West Ham and Leicester also keen.
It was said that Mikel Arteta did not want to lose Nelson as well as Fabio Vieira – with the Portuguese playmaker heading to Porto on loan – but a move for Williams would surely free up the Londoner to depart.
Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as the reason for the Spaniard being benched should soon emerge…
