Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta interested in signing Nico Williams
According to respected journalist David Ornstein, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta remains a firm admirer of Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams.
The Gunners have so far signed David Raya and Riccardo Calafiori and are ready to Complete the signature of Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino in the coming days.
Talking about Duncan Castles' Podcast, Ornstein He has now revealed that Arsenal are exploring the market for a new winger, adding that Arteta and Arsenal really like Williams.
The Gunners face stiff competition, however. There is another obstacle: his huge wages and buyout clause, which they would have to pay in full to secure his signing.
He said: “The one that Mikel Arteta and those involved in Arsenal really like is Nico Williams, but he is the apple of everyone's eye. The problem is that he is already on a very high salary, which would only increase when he reaches a league like the one Premier League and a termination clause in his contract that he would have to pay in full. It seems he will stay.”
Big transfer coup
Williams has established himself as one of the best wingers in La Liga. He shone for Bilbao last season, scoring 9 goals and providing 18 assists in all competitions. The Spaniard impressed at the European Championship in Germany with 3 goals, one of them in the final against England.
The 22-year-old is entering the prime of his playing career and would be a fantastic signing for the Gunners, considering he can comfortably play on either the right or left side of the attack. However, a deal will not be straightforward for the north London giants, considering his £49m buyout clause.
Bilbao recently handed Williams the number 10 shirt and has no plans to lose him before the transfer deadline day unless a club activates his release clause. Arteta may also have to convince Williams of a move and it could depend on how much regular minutes he gets in the starting lineup.
On top of this, the Gunners will have to make him their highest-earning player. £171,000 per week and could demand more £300,000 weekly to sign. This represents a huge investment for the Gunners and could prove profitable as they look to end their two-decade wait for the league title.
