Nico Williams picks next club amid interest from Arsenal and Chelsea - Reports

Arsenal and Chelsea target Nico Williams has reportedly decided that he will join Barcelona the day he leaves Athletic Bilbao. The winger was heavily linked with a move away last summer, but eventually decided to remain with his current employers.

Now, a report from Sport journalist Toni Juanmarti claims that the winger wants to join his Spain teammates at Camp Nou (via Football Transfers). The likes of Pedri, Gavi and Lamine Yamal are helping the Blaugrana compete for the LaLiga title this campaign.

This seems to a significant blow, particularly for the Gunners, who were hoping to strengthen their attack in January. It was reported that Mikel Arteta had his sights set on the attacker for the winter in a bid to keep his team's hopes alive in the Premier League title race.

Neither of Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard have asserted themselves as the first-choice left winger at the Emirates Stadium. This would have certainly provided an opportunity for Williams to gain regular minutes with Arsenal.

Meanwhile, the aforementioned report claims that the Blues were looking to bring in the LaLiga star in the summer of 2025. Chelsea have got options on the left side as well, with the likes of Jadon Sancho and Pedro Neto competing at the club.

If Williams' desires are true, Barcelona will be delighted, given they too were heavily linked with the winger. He hasn't proved to be as threatening as the previous campaign, having made 23 appearances across competitions this year, bagging two goals and five assists.

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Paul Merson reacts to Opta's title predictions for Chelsea and Arsenal this season

Paul Merson

Paul Merson was baffled after Opta gave Chelsea just a 5.8 per cent chance of winning the Premier League title. The Blues are currently second, two points behind Liverpool, who have played a game less.

Meanwhile, Arsenal were given a 13.2 per cent chance of winning the Premier League by Opta. They are third after their 5-1 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday (December 21) and are a point behind Chelsea, who have a game in hand. Addressing the Odds for Enzo Maresca's team, Merson told Sky Sports (via Football365):

"Well that 5.8 per cent needs to be biggest, whatever happens. That does need to be bigger, that’s ridiculous."

“Arsenal need consistency, they need consistency as Mikel Arteta said, they’ve drawn their last two games."

The west Londoners are yet to play this week and are up against Everton away on Sunday (December 22). Liverpool have a tricky away fixture against Tottenham Hotspur later the same day.