Transfer: Agent provides update on Nico Williams, as Arsenal enquire about Liverpool target

Nico Williams agent, Félix Tainta has provided an update on the player’s future at Athletic Club.

The 24-year-old winger was strongly associated with a transfer to Arsenal last summer when Andrea Berta was assigned the task of enhancing the attacking lineup. However, any prospects of finalizing a deal were dashed when he opted to sign a new long-term contract at the San Mames Stadium.

According to football.london, the Gunners had previously shown interest in acquiring Williams, with Mikel Arteta reportedly being a fan of the player.

However, after the Spain international extended his contract in the Basque Country until June 2035, Arsenal shifted their focus to Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke, whom they acquired from Crystal Palace and Chelsea, respectively, for a total of £120 million.

Leandro Trossard has since departed from the Gunners to join Besiktas, creating a significant vacancy on the left wing. It is understood that the Arsenal manager is keen to find a replacement for the 31-year-old and enhance his attacking options.

Currently, it is uncertain whether the Gunners will rekindle their interest in Williams, but his agent appears to have left the possibility of a transfer open. Recently speaking to Spanish outlet Radioestadio Noche, Tainta did not dismiss the idea of an exit from Athletic Club this summer.

As reported by Sport Witness, Williams’ agent stated: “At this moment, it is important to remain calm. We need to maintain our composure; let him enjoy himself and take a break from soccer. What is meant to happen will happen. Stay calm and relaxed.”

In the meantime, Arsenal has broadened their search for a new winger. football.london reports that the Gunners have recently contacted RB Leipzig to inquire about the availability of Yan Diomande.

Arsenal is said to be among several clubs interested in signing the 19-year-old winger, whose contract at the Red Bull Arena is set to expire in June 2030. Although Diomande is believed to prefer a move to Paris Saint-Germain, they have yet to meet the asking price of £94 million.

football.london understands that Liverpool are also keen on the Ivorian; they had a bid worth £85m knocked back earlier in the summer. The Gunners have asked to be kept informed of the conditions surrounding any potential deal for Diomande.

Bradley Barcola, Mika Godts, and Kerim Alajbegovic are also said to be on Arsenal’s radar. The Gunners have had a pretty slow start to the transfer window, despite calls from Arteta for a ‘very ambitious, very fast and very smart’ summer.