Nico Williams has already made his feelings clear about a move to Arsenal amid ongoing reports that Mikel Arteta is a huge fan of his. In September last year, the 22-year-old winger insisted his "heart is with Athletic Club" and hinted at a lengthy stay after a move to the Emirates Stadium failed to materialise.

"It's good big teams have you on their agenda, but I've always been clear, I want to be here," Williams told Mundo Deportivo. "Athletic Club is a different feeling that you don't get at other clubs. I'm really looking forward to doing big things at this club.

"There were approaches from many clubs. My heart is with Athletic. I have a contract here, but who knows what happens in future. I wanted to stay because playing in Europe with Athletic Club was what I was most excited about."

READ MORE: Jamal Musiala makes Arsenal transfer decision after Chelsea contact and 'secret' contract talks

READ MORE: Mikel Arteta told Arsenal PSR truth as key transfer delayed despite transfer plea

According to The Athletic, Arteta loves Williams and has put the Spain international at the top of his winger wishlist. But it looks as if convincing the player to join will be easier said than done.

The Gunners are looking to add more attacking quality in the coming window or two, and new additions might be necessary in order to keep pace with Premier League leaders Liverpool. They scuppered the chance to close the gap on Arne Slot's men to just four points after throwing away a two-goal lead to draw with Aston Villa on Saturday, and are struggling for consistency this season.

Ever since Bukayo Saka was ruled out with a hamstring injury in December, Arsenal have looked a little impotent in attack, and the Englishman's absence may accelerate an approach for Williams. The Bilbao ace has established himself as one of La Liga's, if not European football's, top forwards in the past year or so.

He helped his boyhood club clinch their first Copa del Rey title since 1984 last season before shining for Spain in their glorious European Championship campaign in the summer. After failing to land Williams, Arsenal signed Raheem Sterling on loan from Chelsea, but the ex-Manchester City star has struggled for form and goals since arriving, leaving the club wanting.

Williams remains Arsenal's top target in the position, though they aren't the only one with eyes on the youngster. Barcelona are longstanding admirers too, and are understood to have made an unsuccessful approach for him last summer. Elsewhere, Liverpool are considering him as a replacement for Mo Salah should the Egyptian leave at the end of the season, while the likes of Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester City are also monitoring the situation.

Whoever ends up winning the race for his signature won't do so cheaply. Williams reportedly has a release clause of just under £50million, which will need to be paid in full if the clause is activated. He's also one of Bilbao's top earners with a reported weekly wage of £166,000, which, in all likelihood, will need to be increased if he's to agree to a move.

In any case, a departure isn't expected until at least the summer, but Arteta's comments after Saturday's draw with Villa suggest that Arsenal could push him this month due to concerns about squad depth. Speaking to reporters, the Spanish coach bemoaned a lack of options on the subs bench - a problem he claims Liverpool boss Slot doesn't have.

"I mean, the subs made the impact and they [Liverpool] managed to change the game. And on our side, it was the opposite even though after conceding the two goals very close to each other, the danger was because I knew half the team was, that we could go downhill because we were physically drained," he said.

"Suddenly, the team found another gear to go again and just put Aston Villa in their box and go and go again, trying to find the goal that we haven’t been able to score at the end."