Arsenal have intensified their pursuit of Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams with a profitable £7.6 million-per-year contract proposal. The 22-year-old stays considered one of Mikel Arteta’s key summer time targets because the membership goals to bolster their large attacking choices. Nevertheless, Arsenal face stiff competitors, notably from Barcelona, the place the participant reportedly needs to maneuver.
Regardless of the Gunners’ willingness to activate Williams’ £53 million launch clause, the winger’s sturdy want to remain in Spain complicates issues. Conversations with Barcelona have already taken place, together with non-public discussions with supervisor Hansi Flick. The Spanish giants stay however are solely ready to behave if the worth suits inside their monetary construction.
Williams, who has been with Bilbao since childhood, can also be contemplating a contract extension with the Basque membership. Bilbao have responded to the rising curiosity by providing improved phrases that embody the next wage and elevated launch clause. His long-standing loyalty to the membership retains that possibility viable.
In the meantime, Arsenal proceed to push for offensive reinforcements, having already begun negotiations for strikers Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko. The north London facet are additionally closing in on a £51 million transfer for Spain worldwide Martin Zubimendi from Actual Sociedad, aiming for a broader squad revamp.
Barcelona, alternatively, are juggling a number of wide-attacking targets. Deco, the membership’s sporting director, stays all in favour of each Marcus Rashford and Luis Diaz. Whereas Diaz is reportedly unavailable for switch from Liverpool, Rashford—after reviving his type at Aston Villa on mortgage—is taken into account a robust possibility and could possibly be signed for round £40 million.
Though Williams is seen as an economical and promising long-term addition, his reference to teammates like Lamine Yamal and his willingness to decrease his wage calls for for a Barcelona transfer underline his clear choice. Nonetheless, with the switch window heating up, neither a keep at Bilbao nor a Premier League transfer may be dominated out simply but.
