Nico Williams Transfer News Today: Real Madrid interest triggers €100m Arsenal deal

Robin Bairner

21 May 2025 07:00 BST
4 min read

Nico Williams, Real Madrid, Arsenal, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

The latest Nico Williams transfer news and rumours as the Athletic Club winger continues to be linked with a move to the Premier League, with Arsenal and Chelsea leading the way.

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Nico Williams ‘BOMB’ announced in Spain

Real Madrid are lining up a shock move for Nico Williams, according to Marca.

Although Los Blancos already have Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe to fill their berth on the left wing, the Bernabeu club are now said to be considering the possibility of triggering the Athletic Club star’s €58 million release fee.

Current ETV

Nico Williams

M (L)

Athletic

Nico Williams

M (L)

Athletic

ETV Range

€69.1M - €84.4M

As the newspaper explains: “Real Madrid are impressed by Nico Williams’ profile. He's a young, explosive player with a great media impact and both sporting and commercial potential. His status as a Spanish international also adds value to a team looking to maintain a solid domestic base and market traction.”

One further attractive aspect of signing the player is revealed: it would take away the possibility of Barcelona signing the player.

Real Madrid’s interest is growing and is one to watch going forward.

€100m transfer to Arsenal?

Should Real Madrid be successful in their pursuit of Nico, there will be a profound knock-on effect. Rodrygo, for example, will be sold by the Spaniards, not only because he would help fund the deal to sign the Basque but also because he would be surplus to requirements, Marca states.

A €100m deal is likely in this case, with interest coming primarily from the Premier League. In this case, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool might look to strike for the Brazil international.

STATS

Rodrygo

F (CR), M (R)

Real Madrid

Rodrygo

F (CR), M (R)

Real Madrid

50

Games
13

Goals
9

Assists

Barcelona’s surprising Nico plan

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has gone public with his plan for Nico Williams this summer – and it appears that he is willing to drop out of the race for the Spain international star.

Speaking to TV3, Laporta said: “Nico Williams was one of the candidates last season, but we decided to sign Dani Olmo. Other options are currently being considered.”

Raphinha’s excellent form has been one of the major reasons for the Camp Nou side being able to back away from this potential bargain.

© IMAGO - Nico Williams celebrates scoring against Rangers in the Europa League

Fernando Llorente’s advice

Athletic Club legend Fernando Llorente has offered some words of advice for Nico when it comes to deciding his future.

Speaking about the 22-year-old, he said: “I’d tell him to make a decision with his heart and, if he leaves, to leave Athletic in the right way.”

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