Arsenal have reportedly expressed an interest in Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams ahead of the January transfer window.
And now, Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on the 21-year-old’s situation on CaughtOffside.
In October, 90Min reported that the Gunners are one of several Premier League clubs that have made enquiries about Williams.
As well as the Arsenal, the likes of Liverpool, Aston Villa and Tottenham are apparently keeping tabs on the Spaniard.
This week, the reported Gunners target’s agent said he and his client were yet to receive a contract proposal from Athletic.
‘They have to be fast’
With Williams’ contract expiring at the end of the season, it’s a “dangerous situation” for the La Liga club, according to Romano.
The transfer insider also gave his personal opinion on the reported Arsenal target, saying he’s one of the most talented wingers on the continent.
“We saw some interesting words from the agent of Nico Williams,” wrote Romano.
“The Athletic Bilbao star is one of the most talented wingers around Europe with his pace and his ability to score and assist.
“And we’ve unsurprisingly seen him linked with some big clubs because I think he’s a really underrated talent with big potential.
“So what’s the situation? His agent Felix Tainta has made it clear that his client doesn’t want to leave on a free transfer, but at the moment they are yet to receive a contract proposal from Athletic Bilbao.
“It’s November, almost December, and nothing is agreed, so it’s a dangerous situation for Athletic and they have to be fast.
“Williams is out of contract at the end of the season and in January he can agree a deal for next season as a free agent.
“The idea was to continue on a long-term contract with a release clause of €50million (£43million), so let’s see what happens there.”
Arsenal need to watch Williams situation closely – TBR View
Arsenal could really do with bringing in cover for Saka, whose workload over the past few years has been nothing short of staggering.
Williams is a top talent and his contract situation is certainly one to watch. It seems like he’d rather stay at Athletic but if the opportunity arises, the Gunners must take it.
Although he mostly plays on the left wing nowadays, he’s right-footed and most of his career appearances have come on the right of attack.
The 21-year-old has done well so far this season, registering one goal and five assists in just 10 La Liga games.
Williams is, as per 90Min, ‘one of the top attacking talents in Europe’. His brother Inaki has labelled him an ‘incredible‘ athlete.