Arsenal are reportedly keen to sign Nico Williams, but the Athletic Bilbao attacker’s substantial wage demands could scupper a switch to the Gunners.
Arsenal are reportedly keen to sign Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams, but the Spain international’s substantial wage demands could scupper a switch to the Emirates Stadium.
The 22-year-old scored eight goals and registered 19 assists in 37 appearances for Athletic during the 2023-24 campaign before playing a vital role in Spain winning Euro 2024, including scoring against England in the final.
Williams was widely expected to make the move to Barcelona last summer, with the Catalan outfit activating the €58m (£48m) release clause in his contract, but the forward turned down the chance to join Hansi Flick’s side.
The attacker’s desire to represent Athletic in this season’s Europa League played a major role in his decision, but he has struggled to show his best form this term, only managing two goals and five assists in 25 appearances.
Despite an underwhelming first half of the campaign, he remains one of the most in-demand forwards in European football, and according to The Mirror, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has made him his number one attacking target.
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Williams’ wage demands ‘could scupper Arsenal move’
However, the report claims that Williams’ wage demands will make it difficult for Arsenal to sign him, with the Spaniard wanting wages in excess of £300,000 a week to make the switch to North London.
A salary of that size would see Williams become the highest earner at the Gunners ahead of the likes of Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz, who are all towards the top of the pay scale.
Williams could be on the move during this summer’s transfer window, with Barcelona still thought to be interested, while Manchester United and Manchester City are both believed to be admirers.
The size of the release clause in his deal means that Athletic are unlikely to be able to keep hold of him beyond this summer’s transfer window, particularly if he enjoys a strong second half of the season.
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Williams “does not regret” snubbing Barcelona
Athletic forward Inaki Williams insisted towards the end of last year that his brother “does not regret” turning down the chance to make the move to Barcelona during the summer market.
“My brother would have to answer that question for you, but I hope we can play together for as long as possible. He has already said that he is very happy here, very happy at Athletic and that it is the best decision he has made,” Inaki Williams told AS.
“He has said that he does not regret it and that makes me happy. Sharing a dressing room every day with him is the most beautiful thing there is and I hope it lasts for a long time to come.”
Williams has only found the back of the net on one occasion in La Liga this season, with that effort coming against Las Palmas in the middle of September.
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