Arsenal had been tracking him for more than a year.
Their scouts watched closely, their recruitment team stayed in regular contact.
And hopes were high that they would finally land the 22-year-old winger.
The player has become one of the most exciting names on the continent.
Explosive in attack, clever with the ball, and clinical in the final third; his performances both at club level and in the Euro 2024 tournament made him a target for several top clubs across Europe.
Arsenal, however, were convinced they had the edge.
They saw him as the perfect addition to Mikel Arteta’s evolving squad—a player who could light up the left side of their front line.
Throughout the past season, Arsenal remained consistent.
Their interest was open, and their belief in his potential never faded.
But as the summer approached, whispers began to grow louder.
Another European giant had entered the scene.
Talks were progressing quietly but quickly.
His entourage had already met with one of Spain’s most historic clubs; a team that, despite financial limits in recent years, remained a powerful draw for elite talent.
The situation shifted soon after the Euros, and negotiations picked up speed.
According to Foot Mercato, the player has now agreed to a six-year deal with Barcelona.
The contract will run through to 2031, and if all goes as planned with Athletic Club, the Catalan side will pay him around €12 million per season.
Nico Williams, the winger Arsenal had dreamed of signing, has chosen Barcelona instead.
The chance to remain in Spain and play alongside close friend Lamine Yamal proved too tempting.
For Arsenal, it is yet another big one that got away. For Barcelona, it could be a game-changing addition.
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