With the January transfer window fast approaching, Arsenal’s interest in Athletic Bilbao’s Spanish gem Nico Williams remains strong, but two major hurdles could jeopardize their ambitions to secure the young striker this month .
Having played a key role in Spain’s Euro 2024 victory, Williams was initially tipped for a move to the Emirates Stadium in the summer. His electrifying performances with Bilbao have rightfully positioned him as one of the most promising talents in world football.
The Gunners are in desperate need of attacking reinforcements following the serious injury of Bukayo Saka, who is not expected to return until March due to a hamstring injury. Additionally, concerns are mounting over Raheem Sterling and Ethan Nwaneri, who are also plagued by fitness issues.
Mikel Arteta, fully aware of the pressing need to improve his attack, is keen to add options at his disposal, but the likelihood of finalizing a deal this January looks increasingly slim. Reports from The Athletic suggest that while Arsenal maintain keen interest in Williams, they are not alone in the race; their Premier League rivals Liverpool and Chelsea are also monitoring the situation closely.
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Although the Gunners are keen to bring the talented 22-year-old to the Premier League this month, financial considerations pose a major obstacle. Williams has a hefty release clause of €60m (£49.8m) written into his contract with Bilbao, and the La Liga club are expected to demand that amount in full.
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Additionally, the Spain international’s reported wages, valued at £165,000 per week, add an extra layer of complexity for Arsenal, who already have to navigate their Financial Fair Play obligations midway through the season. As one of the leading players on the market, Williams is expected to seek a considerable increase in his salary should he make the move to England.
Given the financial implications of signing Williams this January, a deal appears more feasible in the summer window. Currently, Athletic Bilbao sit fourth in La Liga, just seven points behind league leaders Real Madrid.
Instead of committing to paying almost £50 million for a single player, Arsenal may need to explore other, less expensive options. Names like Dani Olmo, potentially available for free, as well as Paris Saint-Germain’s Lee-Kang In, have appeared on the Gunners’ radar as they look for viable reinforcements.
