‘Nico Williams mega-money update as Arsenal and Chelsea chase star’
Arsenal and Chelsea have received a massive demand in their pursuit of Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams.
The Gunners’ title charge faltered amid an injury-ridden season, with Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Martinelli all missing large chunks of the campaign.
As a consequence, Mikel Arteta has been forced to use Mikel Merino as a makeshift striker and the emergence of Ethan Nwaneri has been a saving grace.
However, with the Gunners 15 points behind the newly crowned Premier League champions Liverpool, the North London side will be keen to reinforce their side this summer.
Williams has been linked with moves to Arsenal and Chelsea, but according to a report from Mail Online the Spaniard will be asking for eye-watering amounts of money to make the switch.
Nico Williams demanding in excess of £400,000-a-week
Both London clubs are interested in the 22-year-old winger, but according to the report from MailOnline, William’s representatives are demanding in excess of £400,000-a-week in wages if he moves this summer.
Erling Haaland’s new deal with Man City has him reportedly earning £500,000-a-week [The Guardian], making him not only the highest paid player in England, but also Europe.
The Norweigan’s exit-bound teammate Kevin De Bruyne is the next highest earner, bringing in a reported £432,000-a-week [Mail Online], whilst Mohamed Salah’s new deal at Liverpool is said to have him earning £400,000-a-week [GOAL].
After that illustrious group, no other player is earning the amount Williams is asking for in the Premier League.
Nico Williams would be major upgrade for Arsenal and Chelsea but is too expensive
Football Insider Verdict
Williams is one of the continent’s most exciting players. His verve and elusiveness in possession make opposing defenders weak at the knees and memories of his exploits at Euro 2024 still haunt England fans to this day.
However, having come close to a move to Barcelona last summer, the 22-year-old’s performances have dipped in LaLiga.
Williams has matched his goal-scoring numbers from last season, netting five times in Spain’s top-flight, but his assists have dropped from 11 to five.
| 2024/25 LaLiga stats | Williams |
| Appearances | 28 |
| Starts | 21 |
| Goals | 5 |
| Assists | 5 |
| Minutes | 1,918 |
Martinelli’s performances have been underwhelming at times this season but whilst the Spaniard would be an upgrade on the Brazilian, Arsenal’s main priority should be to find a striker in the summer.
Williams would also be a major upgrade to what Enzo Maresca has available to him at Chelsea, but with Geovany Quenda, Estevao Willian, and Kendry Paez all on their way to Stamford Bridge in the next two years, finding a place for the winger may prove difficult.