Arsenal suffer major transfer blow as one of their top targets decides to join Barcelona instead as Mikel Arteta is left playing catch-up
Athletic Bilbao winger and Arsenal target Nico Williams has informed suitors of his desire to join Barcelona following positive talks.
Williams, 22, has been subject to interest from Arsenal, Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
He impressed at last summer's Euros, teaming up with Barcelona star Yamine Lamal as Spain took home the crown.
That campaign marked Williams as one of the most promising wingers in the world as he opened the scoring in Spain's 2-1 final win over England.
Despite interest from the Emirates, Williams seems likely to stay in Spain having told those involved in talks of his preference for the Camp Nou.
He previously held talks with German champions Bayern Munich as well.
The news is a significant blow for Arsenal who have promised a big summer ahead in this transfer window.
'It's going to be a big one and we are very excited about it,' said manager Mikel Arteta previously.
'The way we planned the first five summers, they were going to be very big and they were going to have different objectives.'
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