Arsenal have identified the £47m Euro 2024 Spain star as a ‘preferred’ transfer target.

Arsenal have identified the £47m Euro 2024 Spain star as a ‘preferred’ transfer target.

Arsenal have Spain’s Nico Williams on their summer shortlist as Mikel Arteta seeks a new attacker, according to reports.

The 21-year-old was a standout performer for Athletic Bilbao last season, scoring five goals and providing 11 assists in La Liga.

Williams has continued his impressive form into Euro 2024, delivering a brilliant performance in Spain’s 1-0 win against Italy on Thursday, which earned him UEFA’s Player of the Match award.

Several clubs are likely to be interested in Williams this summer. His availability is facilitated by a €55 million (£46.5m) release clause in his contract with Athletic Bilbao.

According to The Athletic, Arsenal are considering a move for Williams, with Arteta viewing him as ‘one of his preferred options’ for a new attacking player.

However, the report also claims that Chelsea and Barcelona are interested in Williams, with both clubs targeting the talented Spain international.

When asked about his future last week, Williams said: ‘I’ve seen reports talking about my future, but honestly, I have no clue of anything. Right now, I want to focus on the Euros and nothing else. I am so happy in Bilbao. I signed a new deal and performed well last season. I feel at home, but I don’t know what I will do. Nobody can tell you about the future.’

Meanwhile, Athletic Bilbao’s president, Jon Uriarte, has attempted to downplay the speculation about Williams’ future. ‘Nico is very happy in Bilbao and at Athletic and has commented on this many times,’ Uriarte said. ‘We are very happy with Nico.’