David Ornstein: €55m Arsenal target now very much open to PL move as January transfer mooted

Arsenal target and Athletic Club attacking midfielder Nico Williams is now more open to a Premier League move after a move to Barcelona fell through last summer, according to The Athletic journalist David Ornstein.

The heart of the Spain international was set on joining Barca amid interest from the Gunners and other Premier League bigwigs, and he waited for them.

However, Williams decided to remain at Athletic when a move to the Camp Nou club did not materialise, and they have since moved on, giving Arsenal and other suitors a chance.

His club will only sell him if his €55 million release clause is activated, and while he would prefer not to move in the winter market, it cannot be completely ruled out.

The Gunners hold a long-standing admiration for the 22-year-old winger, but they will face competition from the likes of Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur for his services.

Arsenal have the best right winger in the Premier League right now in Bukayo Saka, and they could do with a quality option on the left too, and Williams fits the bill.

He can also play on the right if needed, with his dribbling and precise crossing his key strengths.

The Spaniard also loves to regularly cut inside, and he has two goals and five assists in 18 games this term after ending last season with 19 assists and eight goals in 37 appearances.

The Arsenal target played a huge role at the European Championship in the summer, weighing in with two assists and a goal in five games as his nation won the tournament.

The Gunners ended up signing Raheem Sterling on loan from Chelsea on transfer deadline day, but the Englishman has not been able to force his way into the plans of manager Mikel Arteta.

Williams is an upgrade on all the current options Arsenal have on the left wing, and landing him for €55m will be a steal.