Nico Williams Transfer News Today: Premier League move is GO as Arsenal prepare signing ‘GIFT’

Robin Bairner
Robin Bairner
  • 16 May 2025 14:00 BST
  • 4 min read
Nico Williams, Athletic Club, 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’ future Arsenal number revealed?

Arsenal have been told by Football.London that they can give Nico Williams a “gift” if and when he joins the club.

This comes in the form of one of the most prestigious shirt numbers on offer at the Emirates Stadium, where there has been a reshuffle behind the scenes.

David Raya has taken the No.1 shirt and Ethan Nwaneri will wear No.22 next term, but it is pointed out that no-one currently wears the No.10 jersey that Nico possesses with Athletic.

It’s unlikely to be something that makes or breaks any deal, but it’s a nice incentive for the Spaniard in any case.

Current ETV
Player image Nico Williams
Nico Williams

M (L)

Athletic logo

Athletic

Nico Williams
Nico Williams

M (L)

Athletic

Athletic

€76.7M

ETV Range

€69.1M - €84.4M

Top Premier League option revealed

Nico Williams is wanted by no fewer than five Premier League sides: Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool and Newcastle United.

FootballTransfers has looked into the numbers and has revealed which is the best destination for Nico as he gears up for the biggest call of his career.

Nico focusing on England

Premier League clubs chasing Nico Williams have been told they have an edge to sign the Spain international start, who has “forgotten” about Barcelona, according to FCBarcelonaNoticias.

Arsenal and Chelsea are credited with being the most aggressive teams in the chase to sign the Athletic Club star, with rumours over a potential switch to Camp Nou having cooled since the beginning of the year.

In order to complete a deal, these clubs will need to spend around €15 million on his wages in addition to his €58m release clause. Such a deal would make him one of the highest-paid players in the Premier League.

Barca instead want to focus on strengthening their defence rather than adding another left-sided winger to their attack. With finances tight at Camp Nou, a deal seems unlikely.

Nico Williams, Athletic Club
© IMAGO - Nico Williams, Athletic Club

Williams in London house hunt

In a move that will perhaps indicate where his mind lies, Nico Williams has reportedly started looking for a house in London as he prepares for the summer ahead.

Williams has all but confirmed he will leave Bilbao this summer due to the €60 million release clause in his contract, which teams such as Arsenal and Chelsea are willing to activate.

And reports in Spain claim that Williams is already looking for a home in London, with the Premier League said to be his most likely destination.

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