Arsenal urged to pursue Nico Williams as Vinicius Junior deal fades

Arsenal has been urged to move on from Vinicius Junior and make Athletic Club winger Nico Williams its priority target, with the Real Madrid forward reportedly close to signing a new deal. Vinicius has been linked with a switch to the Emirates in recent weeks, and it is understood Arsenal was ready to go all out to sign him before the summer window closes on September 1. The Gunners are said to be willing to make the Brazil forward the most expensive signing in club history. However, Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho is desperate to keep him, and insider has confirmed that Madrid is discussing the final details of the agreement with Vinicius' camp ahead of a formal announcement. A transfer now looks increasingly unlikely. Kevin Nolan, the former West Ham United and Bolton Wanderers cult hero, told talkSPORT that Arsenal should look at Williams or Bradley Barcola instead. "He's obviously a complex character. His off-the-field stuff probably doesn't suit what Arteta looks at. And I think they do go into all that great detail as well," Nolan said. "What's the character of the person? What's his attitude like? What's his personality like?" "I think someone like a Nico Williams would be perfect for an Arsenal. In that left-hand side role, or Barcola, if you like. They're the ones who I thought would suit more of an Arsenal-type player than Vinicius Jr." Williams is reported to have a €100 million release clause in his Athletic Club contract. He signed a 10-year deal with the club last summer and is expected to stay with Edin Terzic's side, despite the links to Arsenal since Euro 2024. The Spain international scored six goals in 25 La Liga games last season, although an ongoing pubalgia issue disrupted his campaign and limited his involvement at the 2026 World Cup. Having already signed Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge this summer, Arsenal may decide against adding another left winger if Vinicius is unattainable. Nolan, though, is clear that Williams fits the profile Arteta needs.