Exclusive: Arsenal hit by Nico Williams stumbling block
Arsenal are set to find Nico Williams’ wage demands and overall package a problem as they explore a deal to bring him to the club, sources have told Football Insider.
The Athletic Bilbao winger, 22, earns mega money on his current contract in the Basque Country but is attracting interest from top clubs across Europe.
Williams has been identified as a top target at Arsenal – who are huge admirers of the Spain international – and high-level talks have been held in recent days.
Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta would love to bring him to the Emirates Stadium but sources say they face a big decision on whether to spend a big portion of their summer budget on the Athletic Bilbao star.
Arsenal will also be in the market for a marquee new striker signing this summer and could weaken their hand in those negotiations by overpaying for Williams.
Arsenal could weaken striker chances with Williams deal
The 22-year-old has a release clause worth just under £50million in his Bilbao contract.
It is believed Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Barcelona also hold an interest in the winger and could swoop in if Arsenal are unable to strike a deal.
| Appearances | 161 |
| Minutes Played | 10374 |
| Goals | 29 |
| Assists | 30 |
| Yellow Cards | 14 |
| Red Cards | 1 |
Williams has notched nine goals and seven assists in 39 games across all competitions this season – after winning the Copa del Rey and European Championship last term.
He has just over two years to run on his contract at Bilbao after penning his last extension in December 2023.
Saka set for ‘mega-money new deal’ at Arsenal
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed on 1 April that Arsenal are planning to offer Bukayo Saka a “mega-money” new contract and are ready to hold talks in the coming weeks.
The 23-year-old’s current contract is set to run until 2027, but the Gunners are determined to tie down his long-term future as the face of the club.
Stars like Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice and Ben White are already under long-term, lucrative contracts at the Emirates Stadium.
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