Arsenal have been linked with Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams in recent months.
Speculation linking the Gunners with the Spaniard is now doing the rounds again ahead of the January transfer window.
Better still, Arsenal may have now been given an opening with regards to pushing for Williams‘ signing in the New Year.
The player’s agent has admitted to El Correo has claimed that contract renewals between his client and Athletic have ‘stalled’.
Felix Tainta says negotiations have hit a ‘slowdown’ and there is ‘still a way to go’ before Williams pens a new deal.
“In a few months the contract will end, let us not forget. There is no definitive offer from the club or the player,” he is quoted as saying.
“The club must listen to the player and must try to reach an agreement that is good for both parties, always starting from the basis that the contract ends in a few months, so that we do not forget.
“The club knows what the player’s approach is, what he wants.”
The newspaper also adds that the agent confirmed there is no proposal on the table at present.
One purported sticking point remains the player’s desire to ensure his release clause remains at €50m (£43million).
According to 90Min, Arsenal, Tottenham, Liverpool and Aston Villa have all enquired about the youngster recently.
Arsenal linked with ‘one of the top attacking talents in Europe’
Arsenal could really do with signing someone to compete with – and deputise for – Bukayo Saka sooner rather than later.
Williams seems like a good shout. 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.
Last season, he (Nico) registered an impressive nine goals and six assists from 43 Athletic outings in all competitions.
Williams has also won 10 caps for Spain and has two goals under his belt for the 2010 World Cup champions.
Football Talent Scout previously compared Williams’ style of play to that of Wilfried Zaha.
He is ‘extremely dangerous on the counter’ thanks to his ‘electric’ pace and acceleration, wrote Jacek Kulig.
Williams is just 21 years old, so he’s nowhere near his prime, and as such can – and should – get so much better.