Arsenal eye perfect Nico Williams alternative and it’s not Rodrygo as ‘plan B’ transfer revealed

Arsenal appear to have expanded their search for a new winger, having been dealt a blow in the race to sign Nico Williams. The 22-year-old winger has been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium for a while now following his impressive performances for Athletic Club.

Williams, whose contract at the San Mames Stadium expires in June 2027, featured 29 times in La Liga this season, scoring five goals and providing five assists. Playing a key role for Ernesto Valverde’s side, he helped his boyhood club finish fourth place and qualify for the Champions League.

The Spain international certainly caught the eye, attracting interest from lots of top clubs. football.london understands that Arsenal hold a long-term interest in Williams, who was on Mikel Arteta’s radar well before he burst onto the scene at the Euros last year.

While the Gunners may appreciate the forward, he seems out of reach at the moment. According to the Daily Mail, Williams has recently held talks with both Barcelona and Bayern Munich regarding a potential transfer from Bilbao.

The report claims that the Spaniard would be prepared to lower his salary to secure a move away. Earlier this summer, Rodrygo was heavily linked with a move to Arsenal until Xabi Alonso replaced Carlo Ancelotti at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Upon the former Liverpool midfielder’s unveiling as the new Real Madrid manager, he ruled out the 24-year-old winger’s departure. So, the Gunners seem to have been forced to expand their search for a new wide player.

According to Bild journalist Christian Falk on The Daily Briefing, Rafael Leao has emerged as Arsenal’s ‘plan B’ if they can’t sign Williams. The 25-year-old forward currently faces an uncertain future at the San Siro after AC Milan didn’t qualify for either of UEFA’s three club competitions.

Leao, whose contract expires in June 2028, featured 34 times in the Serie A this season, scoring eight goals and providing 10 assists. Despite his best efforts, the Rossoneri missed out on European football, finishing eighth place with 63 points.

French outlet Footmercato reckons that Andrea Berta contacted Leao last month to inform him of ‘definite interest’ from the Emirates Stadium. The report claims that Arsenal’s sporting director spoke to the Milan star on the phone.

Speaking to Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport in January 2025, Leao committed his future to Milan. The Rossoneri ace said: “I was already a fan when I joined, as many of my favourite players spent time here.

“I wished to stay for years. Now, I have to thank those who brought me here and helped me grow. I’m fine here – for the present and hopefully for the future.”

In an interview with Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, in March 2024, Leao explained why he plans to stay loyal. Leao said: “My future is at Milan. I’m here and I still have a four-year contract.

“Milan helped me when I was in a difficult situation, they were close to me. I don’t forget, I’m loyal. I arrived as a boy, here I grew up as a man and as a footballer. I want to win again, my head is here.”