Arsenal get green light for ideal £46m transfer as Mikel Arteta January plan clear

Barcelona have reportedly cooled their interest in signing Arsenal-linked Euro 2024 winner Nico Williams - leaving the door widely open for a Premier League move.

Speculation around the Spain forward and his Athletic Bilbao future was at fever pitch this summer. He tormented defence after defence in tandem with Lamine Yamal at Euro 2024 in Germany.

It underlined his growing reputation on the world stage. However, that was already building up enough for him to be linked with Arsenal, as well as London rivals Chelsea and Tottenham.

Incidentally, his national team partner-in-crime Yamal - not to mention former Leeds United winger Raphinha - are said to be fundamental in the current stance from Barcelona as they divert their attentions elsewhere.

Reports from The Athletic suggest that Williams is not currently wanted by the Catalan giants, despite the heavy-handed push for his signature this summer. Since then, the 21-year-old has struggled to replicate his best form and only has one goal to his name so far this season from 16 appearances in La Liga.

He does, though, have five assists to show for his efforts in all competitions. He also has 24 caps for Spain.

The winger is under contract until 2027 with a release clause claimed to be around the £46million-mark. The article from The Athletic hints towards a likely move next summer - although January is not ruled out as an option.

As for Mikel Arteta, meanwhile, his stance on the mid-season transfer window is clear.

Speaking this month about the market reopening, Arsenal's head coach said: "The window gives us an opportunity to strengthen the team if we feel that is needed and we feel that we have the capacity to do that, as well."

Arsenal, who continue to target their first Premier League title in two decades, opted against signing a new striker this summer. Their main recruit in attacking quarters was a loan deal for Chelsea's Raheem Sterling.

Williams, in the main, is a left-winger who can also operate on the opposite flank. Bundesliga heavyweights Bayern Munich and Premier League pace-setters Liverpool are namedropped by The Athletic as two other possible suitors.

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