Arsenal are now firm favourites to sign Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, according to reports in Spain.

Estadio Deportivo claim that the Gunners have seen rivals for the Spaniard’s signature “withdraw their interest” in the player, leaving Mikel Arteta’s side “practically alone” in terms of the teams who are prepared to table a bid.

Bayern Munich are believed to have cooled their interest, with Leroy Sane now expected to sign a contract extension with the Bundesliga team.

Barcelona are also unlikely to make their move, with the Catalan club having decided to pursue a midfielder and defender instead.

Estadio Deportivo also assert that Real Madrid are not looking to buy a winger either, having focused their attention on re-signing Nico Paz from Como.

There are still 2 other clubs that can make a move for Williams

Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain are said to be the only teams who have yet to make a firm decision on tabling an offer.

The Blues are keen on signing a winger, but they are also interested in Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens, Juventus’s Kenan Yildiz and Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho.

PSG, meanwhile, are not short of options on the flanks, having bought Khvicha Kvaratskhelia from Napoli in January.

Arsenal still need to persuade the player

Even though the Gunners are leading the race for the Spanish international, it is believed that Williams is still undecided on whether he wants to leave Athletic.

The forward has a €62m (£53m) release clause in his contract but there would be no point triggering it without his approval.

Estadio Deportivo say Williams wants his future resolved before July so there is likely to be a lot of speculation about a potential transfer over the next few months.

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