Major blow for Man City as report claims £41m star has told teammate he wants to join Arsenal

Manchester City and Arsenal could be set to battle it out for the same player in the summer transfer window.

Arsenal seem to have moved ahead of Manchester City over the past six months, and Pep Guardiola will have to do his level best to turn the tide in the summer.

Numerous new top-class additions are required at The Etihad, with a winger with explosive pace high up on Pep’s agenda.

Pep Guardiola head coach of Manchester City and Spain reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off first leg match betw...

Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images

However, City’s recent struggles and the off-field uncertainty at the club means that signing the very best players is no longer a seamless task.

Guardiola could well find that out the hard way this summer.

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Manchester City blow after Nico Williams makes Arsenal call

Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams is said to be on the radars of both Man City and Arsenal.

The Gunners are believed to be leading the chase to sign the 22-year-old.

And now it could be curtains for Man City.

According to a report from Carpetas Blaugranas, powerhouse attacker Nico Williams has told his Spain international teammate Lamine Yamal that he will be joining Arsenal this summer.

In addition to that, the Gunners will apparently be able to sign the Athletic Bilbao star for a bargain £41 million fee.

If true, that’s a clear sign that Arsenal have firmly established themselves as one of the most exciting clubs in world football under Mikel Arteta.

Nico Williams will be a game-changing signing

Whichever club wins the race for Williams will be in a really strong position to win the Premier League title next season.

Nico Williams of Athletic Club looks on during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD8 match between Athletic Club and FC Viktoria Plzen at...

The 22-year-old possesses explosive pace and exceptional technical ability.

Williams bagged eight goals and 19 assists in 37 appearances last season – a fantastic return for someone so young.

He has fallen off somewhat this term, but that regularly happens with young talents trying to make the step up to the next level.

The bottom line is that the Athletic Bilbao star is an elite player, and he could become world-class if he continues to work hard.

Missing out on signing Nico Williams to Arsenal in the summer would be a real punch in the gut for Manchester City.