Arsenal have suffered a significant setback in their pursuit of Nico Williams this summer, as the winger is contemplating a transfer 'no-one expected' due to interest from Manchester City.
The Gunners tried to entice Williams to the Emirates after Euro 2024, with Barcelona also vying for his signature, but the winger chose to remain at Athletic Bilbao.
Reports indicate that Williams has chosen to depart, and following Thursday's assertion that Barcelona has 'closed the file' on the 22-year-old, it seems the way is clear for Arsenal to pay his £48m release clause and bring him to the Emirates.
Man City is believed to be interested in Williams since Pep Guardiola considers him ‘the perfect choice’ to enhance his team for the next season, and Barcelona's withdrawal from the competition has reportedly ‘allowed City to take the lead over other potential bidders’.
However, both Premier League teams may end up disappointed, as a report from Spain suggests there might be an 'unexpected plot twist' since Williams is 'seriously considering renewing his contract and remaining in Bilbao.'
Williams has assisted Bilbao in reaching the Europa League semi-finals, where they will compete against Manchester United, and they are positioned fourth in La Liga, six points clear of fifth-placed Villarreal, making Champions League qualification for the next season probable.
Athletic Club is said to be negotiating with Williams regarding a new contract that will 'modify his termination clause' and result in 'a significant salary increase' from the current £200,000 weekly pay.
It is believed that Williams hasn't entirely dismissed the idea of leaving later on, but he doesn't exclude the possibility of staying in the near term, provided a competitive project is assured.
In an unexpected turn of events, the report reveals:
'A portion of Nico’s shift in viewpoint is driven by the team's remarkable performance. Athletic Club is experiencing one of its finest seasons in years: it has advanced to the semifinals of the Europa League, competes at the summit of the LaLiga standings, and is very close to securing a spot in the upcoming Champions League. Ernesto Valverde's vision is convincing, and there's a palpable sense of ambition in the locker room.
"Why depart now when the greatest moments are still ahead?" is the lingering question in Nico's surroundings. At 22, he still has potential for development and understands that, as a leader of the team, he can keep excelling in a setting that has been familiar to him since childhood.
'The initial contacts to attempt renewing Nico have already occurred from the Athletic Club. They realize that to keep him, they need to present him with a contract that matches the interest he has generated overseas. Modifications to his termination clause and a significant enhancement in his salary are also suggested.
'Nico, on his side, is receptive to hearing. While he hasn’t completely dismissed the idea of leaving later on, he also does not exclude the possibility of staying in the near term, provided that a competitive project is ensured. His family, with Iñaki as a figure of reference in the club, also plays an important role in the decision.'
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