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Arsenal hold talks to sign Nico Williams this summer

By Ritayan Chatterjee on June 20, 2024

Arsenal are reportedly keen on signing Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams this summer, as per the transfer journalist Graeme Bailey.

The Gunners hold a long-term interest in the Spain international as he was linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium last summer. It was reported that Mikel Arteta was willing to sign him to support Bukayo Saka, however, the North London club never formalised their interest so a deal didn’t come to fruition.

Now reporting on HITC, Bailey has stated that Arsenal are keen on signing a new forward to reinforce their frontline and have earmarked Williams as a very serious option.

The report further claims that the Gunners have already opened talks with the player’s representatives to understand whether the forward wants to join the club. However, the player has demanded an enormous £300,000-a-week salary package to move to the Emirates Stadium.

Bailey says that Liverpool, Newcastle United and Aston Villa are also keen on signing him, but Williams wants a move to Barcelona so he is keeping the potential suitors from the Premier League ‘at arms’ length’.

Williams to Arsenal

Williams has a £43m release clause in his current contract so he would be an affordable signing for Arsenal but it looks like Arteta’s side are unlikely to be able to sign the player in this transfer window.

However, Barcelona are currently in financial difficulties so it remains to be seen whether they can manage to spend that much money to sign the 21-year-old.

If the Blaugrana eventually can’t afford to sign him then an opportunity could arise for Arsenal to get the deal done but in that case, the forward will have to lower his salary demand as the North London club are unlikely to hand him a contract as huge as that.

Williams is deemed one of the best young forwards in La Liga so signing a player of his qualities would be a great coup for Arsenal if they purchase him. However, it is going to be interesting to see whether the Emirates club can eventually manage to secure his signature in this transfer window to reinforce their attacking department.