Arsenal Face Bayern Competition in Pursuit of Nico Williams
Arsenal Continue Pursuit of Nico Williams Amid Bayern Interest
Arsenal’s Interest in Williams Remains Strong
Arsenal’s pursuit of Nico Williams remains very much alive, but competition for the Athletic Club winger is heating up. According to BILD, Bayern Munich have now entered the race to sign the Spanish international, adding further intrigue to what could be one of the most sought-after deals of the summer.
Williams was a major talking point last summer, following his impressive performances at Euro 2024. His release clause, estimated to be between £50m and £60m, attracted serious interest from Arsenal, Chelsea, and Barcelona. However, the winger opted to stay at Athletic, reaffirming his commitment to the club but without extending his contract. Now, with two years remaining on his deal, the race for his signature has reignited.
✅ FC Bayern are interested in a Transfer of Nico Williams (22, Athletic Bilbao) in Summer
❇️ Also @Arsenal London are in contact with the Management of Williams
❇️ Williams has a release clause in his contract. The amount should be between €60 Mio and €80 Mio@BILD_Sport… pic.twitter.com/64s875YssR— Christian Falk (@cfbayern) March 14, 2025
Bayern Enter the Picture
Bayern Munich’s interest complicates matters for Arsenal. The German champions are looking to revamp their attacking options, with Leroy Sané’s contract running down and both Serge Gnabry and Kingsley Coman potentially on the transfer market. With a move for Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz looking increasingly unlikely, Bayern have turned their attention to Williams as a key summer target.
Arsenal, however, have been in talks with Williams’ representatives for some time and remain determined to bring the Spanish winger to North London. With Mikel Arteta’s project continuing to evolve, adding a player of Williams’ calibre could be a decisive step towards strengthening Arsenal’s frontline.
Release Clause and Transfer Dynamics
The exact value of Williams’ release clause remains uncertain, with reports suggesting it sits somewhere between €60m and €80m (£50.5m-£67.3m). Regardless of the precise figure, there is a general consensus that his buy-out clause represents excellent value for money, particularly given his consistent performances for both club and country.
The main question is whether Williams will be willing to leave Athletic Club, having resisted a move last summer. “At that moment last summer I made the decision that I considered to be correct and I’m very happy with it,” Williams told L’Equipe. “It was for my family. The relationship we have with this club is incredible and I don’t think I’ll find this atmosphere anywhere else.”
Arsenal’s Long-Term Vision Under Arteta
For Arsenal, signing Williams would align perfectly with their long-term vision under Arteta. The Gunners have built a young, dynamic squad capable of competing at the highest level, but adding a winger of his quality would provide a fresh dimension to their attacking play.
Williams possesses blistering pace, exceptional dribbling ability, and a work ethic that fits Arteta’s high-intensity system. With Arsenal competing on multiple fronts, squad depth is paramount, and Williams could form a formidable partnership with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.
However, Arsenal must navigate a competitive transfer landscape. While they have been proactive in engaging with Williams’ camp, the growing list of suitors means negotiations will need to be handled efficiently if they are to secure his signature.
-
Arsenal & Bayern keen on Williams - Saturday's gossip
Arsenal and Bayern Munich are in competition to sign Spain winger Nico Williams, while Newcastle striker Alexander Isak says he is likely to speak to the club about a new contract.Yahoo Sports - 16h -
Arsenal now in contact with reps of attacker Mikel Arteta really likes – journalist
Arsenal are in contact with the representatives of Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams ahead of the summer transfer window, according to German journalist Christian Falk.However, the Gunners will ...Yahoo Sports - 1d -
Report: Arsenal & Chelsea face competition for £50m transfer
Arsenal and Chelsea are reportedly set to face competition from Real Madrid for the potential transfer of Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen.The 19-year-old has impressed in the Premier League this ...Yahoo Sports - 14h -
Report: Liverpool join Arsenal in pursuit of talented young Ligue 1 midfielder
Liverpool’s Scouting Network Identifies Ayyoub Bouaddi as a Future StarLiverpool’s transfer radar continues to track emerging talents, and the latest name to surface is Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi. T...Yahoo Sports - 1d -
Bayern still keen on Spain star
Having first been linked with a move for Nico Willaims months ago, it appears that Bayern Munich are still tracking the Spain international.According to Bild, the Bavarian giants are keen to bring ...Yahoo Sports - 1d -
Browns: Pursuit of Kirk Cousins not changed by Falcons' stubbornness
Expect the Browns to continue their pursuit of Kirk Cousins despite the Falcons' decision to keep him on their roster and lock in a roster bonusYahoo Sports - 4h -
Caleb Williams played a role in Grady Jarrett signing with Bears
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams continues to be a big draw for newcomers.Yahoo Sports - 1d -
Mike Vrabel to Milton Williams: Hope you're ready to play more
Defensive tackle Milton Williams made a big impact for the Eagles in Super Bowl LIX without being on the field all that much.Yahoo Sports - 1d -
Arsenal column: What Saliba told me about his future, links with PL star & more
Encouragement over William Saliba’s Arsenal futureI was in Tuesday’s press conference when William Saliba was quizzed on his future and what was undeniable in his answers was the strong feelings h...Yahoo Sports - 1d
More from Yahoo Sports
-
Goodhue ends girls basketball season with win in third-place game
Mar. 15—ST. PAUL — Goodhue finished its sterling season on a winning note, beating Sleep Eye St. Mary's 68-61 in the state Class 1A girls basketball tournament third-place game at Gangelhoff ...Yahoo Sports - 13m -
Girls basketball state tournament schedules
Mar. 15—QUARTERFINALS Thursday, March 13 —At Maturi Pavilion Goodhue 76, Walker-Hackensack-Akeley 47 West Central Area 61, Cromwel-Wright 54 MACCRAY 55, Mayer Lutheran 51 Sleepy Eye Saint Mary's ...Yahoo Sports - 13m -
Rory McIlroy ignores bogeys to find himself in Players Championship mix
A valiant closing birdie kept Rory McIlroy in the hunt for a second Players Championship crown after tough conditions here at the Stadium Course had seemingly forced the world No 2 out of contention.Yahoo Sports - 14m -
Rory McIlroy ignores bogeys to find himself in Players Championship mix
A valiant closing birdie kept Rory McIlroy in the hunt for a second Players Championship crown after tough conditions here at the Stadium Course had seemingly forced the world No 2 out of contention.Yahoo Sports - 14m -
Abdul Carter has surprisingly low NFL draft projection in new mock draft
Penn State's top NFL draft prospect is considered a lock for a top five pick, but this mock draft goes against that general feeling.Yahoo Sports - 16m
More in Sports
-
Where to watch Atletico Madrid vs. Barcelona: LaLiga live online, lineups, prediction and odds
LaLiga leaders travel to Madrid for top of table showdownCBS Sports - 10m -
Where to watch Atletico Madrid vs. Barcelona: LaLiga live online, lineups, prediction and odds
LaLiga leaders travel to Madrid for top of table showdownCBS Sports - 10m -
Alex Ovechkin goals tracker: Capitals star eight away from breaking Wayne Gretzky's all-time NHL record
At his current pace, Ovechkin could surpass 'The Great One' before the end of the seasonCBS Sports - 11m -
Alex Ovechkin goals tracker: Capitals star eight away from breaking Wayne Gretzky's all-time NHL record
At his current pace, Ovechkin could surpass 'The Great One' before the end of the seasonCBS Sports - 11m -
Girls basketball state tournament schedules
Mar. 15—QUARTERFINALS Thursday, March 13 —At Maturi Pavilion Goodhue 76, Walker-Hackensack-Akeley 47 West Central Area 61, Cromwel-Wright 54 MACCRAY 55, Mayer Lutheran 51 Sleepy Eye Saint Mary's ...Yahoo Sports - 13m