Arsenal now receive encouragement to sign £49m star after Barcelona transfer stance - opinion
Arsenal have been handed a boost in signing Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, with Barcelona no longer in the transfer race.
The Gunners are long-term admirers of the Spain international, and manager Mikel Arteta is reportedly a big admirer of the 22-year-old.
Williams has also been linked with Barcelona numerous times, but club president Joan Laporta has now ruled out the possibility.
In a recent interview, Laporta said Williams was valued as a potential signing last summer, but Barcelona are focused on other priorities.
He said: “We valued Nico as a potential signing last summer with Dani Olmo, but right now I think the club is valuing other players.”
The news is a considerable boost for the Gunners, but the question remains whether they will formalise their transfer interest in the versatile winger.
Williams registered 26 goal contributions from 37 games last season, but his output has reduced to 18 goal involvements from 44 games this term.
Short-term injuries have hampered his progress. This is something which could hinder the Gunners’ pursuit of the Euro 2024 winner.
The other concern is obviously the asking price. There is a £49 million release clause in his Athletic contract, which may be non-negotiable this summer.
Athletic have just qualified for the Champions League after a decade-long wait and will be determined to keep hold of their prized assets next season.
Hence, Arsenal may have to pay the player’s buy-out clause in full to secure his services. This could be challenging to do, taking Profit and Sustainability Rules in mind.
Williams’ wage demands could be another roadblock. He is on £169,000 per week at Bilbao, and it has been claimed that he could demand more than £300,000 weekly.
Such a salary would put him at the top of Arsenal’s earners list ahead of Kai Havertz. Arsenal have a clear run at signing Williams, but a deal seems difficult to finalise.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Capology.com
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