Manchester United could inadvertently help Arsenal sign Athletic Club winger Nico Williams this summer.
The Spain international has been Mikel Arteta’s priority transfer target for the best part of a year, and Arsenal are hoping to finally secure his signature ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.
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The Gunners are aiming to oversee a fairly significant squad revamp this summer and Williams is one of several planned transfers, along with Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, Sporting CP centre forward Viktor Gyokeres and potentially Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia.
Williams is also being chased by both Barcelona and Chelsea, although Spanish outlet El Nacional claim that he could decide to snub interest from across Europe in order to extend his contract with Athletic Club.
His current deal at San Mames is due to expire in 2027, however he may reportedly opt to agree fresh terms if Athletic Club qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Ernesto Valverde’s side currently have two routes to securing qualification for Europe’s elite club competition next year – either by achieving a top five finish in La Liga or by winning the Europa League.
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Will Athletic Club qualify for next year’s Champions League?
Athletic Club are fourth in the Spanish top flight table as things stand, but they are only six points clear of Real Betis in sixth place and have tricky fixtures against Real Sociedad and Barcelona still left to play.
Furthermore, Man Utd could end their hopes of winning the Europa League at Old Trafford next week.
The Red Devils romped to a 3-0 first leg victory in Spain on Thursday night and are therefore 90 minutes away from knockout Athletic Club out of the competition.
In the process, Man Utd could deny the Basque outfit the chance to play in next year’s Champions League, which would help Arsenal in their pursuit of Williams’ signature.
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