Arsenal are considering an audacious bid to sign Athletic Club’s Nico Williams in the final week of the transfer window, with the Euro 2024 winner being Mikel Arteta’s preferred addition to his wing position.

The 22-year-old is one of the most sought-after players in Europe after a successful last season, in which the Athletic Club prospect scored eight goals and provided 19 assists in 37 games in all competitions to lead the Spanish team to Copa del Rey glory.

Williams would follow this campaign with a series of sensational performances at Euro 2024 as Spain made their breakthrough in Germany, with the winger scoring in the final against England and attracting significant interest from Barcelona this summer.

The Catalan club had the Spaniard as their main target for the 2024/25 season, but the transfer could not go ahead as the La Liga giant continues to struggle with financial problems.

This opens the door for another major European club, Arsenal, to make the move in the final week of the transfer window.

Arsenal consider transfer of Nico Williams from Athletic Club

Mikel Arteta is looking to expand his attacking midfield options before the transfer window closes and Williams is the Gunners boss’s leading candidate, The Independent reports.

The report reveals that the North London club are considering a move for the Spain international, although it is acknowledged they may have to wait before making the big move.

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Williams has a £48m buyout clause in his contract with Athletic Club, but the current feeling is that he does not want to leave the La Liga club this summer. The winger was given the number 10 shirt after his success at Euro 2024 and it is believed that his medium-term goal is to join Barcelona.

Arsenal should strike now, with Barca unable to compete for his signature. And even if they fail, they will show the Spaniard how much they want him. That could pay off in the future, when the 22-year-old is more open to a move away from Athletic Club.