Arsenal may be forced to consider alternate winger options as Barcelona seeks to sign Athletic Club star Nico Williams, whom the Gunners have watched.
Mikel Arteta’s team is expected to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi and is nearing a deal for Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, but their work is far from over.
Arsenal prioritizes the acquisition of a new winger Despite being great fans of Williams, as TEAMtalk transfer correspondent Fraser Fletcher discovered on April 3, Barcelona’s sporting director Deco insists that the 22-year-old is keen on joining the Catalan giants.
“Yes, Nico Williams wants to come [to Barca],” Deco remarked during an interview. “And we’ll try!
“Nico, like other players, is expressing a strong desire to come…” And if the necessary criteria are met in his case, we will certainly strive to close the sale.
“To sign a player, you must follow the correct procedures. In this scenario, everything is crystal clear. He has a release clause. Then we’ll figure out how to make what the player and the club want happen.”
Williams had 11 goals and seven assists in all competitions for Athletic last season. He is already a regular for Spain but still has space for improvement. The thought of him and Lamine Yamal playing together for Barcelona is undeniably exciting.
Barcelona closes in on Nico Williams.
Barcelona’s financial woes have been well acknowledged, but it appears that they are trying all possible to finalize a deal for Williams.
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The winger’s contract includes a €62 million (£53 million or $71.5 million) release clause, which many suitors, including Barcelona and Arsenal, are eager to pay.
The issue with Williams’ deal has always been his pay. He presently earns roughly £170,000 per week at Athletic, and sources claim he is wanting much more to go.
Barcelona is his favorite next destination, thus he may be willing to accept a little lower offer to secure his dream transfer.
The move might also have consequences for Manchester United outcast Marcus Rashford, who wants to join Barcelona as his career hangs in the balance. It is uncertain whether the Catalans will make a play for Williams and Rashford.
Arsenal will have to seek elsewhere if Williams completes his transfer to Barcelona, which appears increasingly likely.
In recent weeks, the Gunners have been connected with Real Madrid player Rodrygo and Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma, and it will be intriguing to see who they choose to focus on.
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