Arsenal want to sign Mikel Arteta's key target but club unlikely to make January transfer
Mikel Arteta is a big admirer but it doesn't look like Arsenal will be able to sign Nico Williams this month, talkSPORT understands.
Financial constraints are creating significant challenges for the Gunners as Arteta searches for vital attacking reinforcements.
williamsThe contract with Athletic Bilbao includes a hefty €60m (£49.8m) release clause, which the La Liga side are expected to demand in full.
Additionally, he currently earns a substantial salary of £165,000 a week.
For him to make the jump to the Premier League, a considerable salary increase would be expected, which represents another obstacle for Arsenal.
The 22-year-old was linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium last summer after playing a pivotal role in Spain's victory. Euro 2024 Campaign.
With Gabriel Martinelli Struggling for form, the Gunners turned their sights to Williams as a promising new left winger.
And they are still interested, as his outstanding performances for Bilbao make him one of the most exciting talents in his position on the world stage.
His performances at his current club, Bilbao, have made him one of the most exciting players in his position in world football.
This season, in 24 appearances, the winger has scored two goals and provided five assists.
Arsenal's need for attacking reinforcements has not gone away, especially with Bukayo Saka sidelined until March with a hamstring injury.
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The financial implications of signing Williams this month suggest a deal may be more feasible in the summer.
Introducing the game-changing threat of Williams would significantly bolster Arsenal's hopes of keeping up the pace. Liverpool in the Premier League title race this season.
Rather than spending almost £50m on a single player, Arsenal may find themselves looking at alternative options that are less daunting financially.
Barcelona Dani Olmo He is another potential target for Arsenal along with Paris Saint-Germain's Lee Kang In.
However, Olmo is reportedly insisting on staying at Camp Nou despite Barca failing to register him for the second half of the season.
He joined Bilbao's youth system in 2013 before joining the reserves in 2020 and then being promoted to the first team a year later.
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Williams is the younger brother of footballer Iñaki Williams, who also plays for Bilbao.
Williams, who quickly gained recognition for his pace and ball skills, made his debut for Spain's senior team in 2022.
He was part of the teams that competed in the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 Euro Cup, scoring and being named man of the match in the victory over England in the final.
Currently, Bilbao is fourth in LaLiga, just seven points behind the leader real Madrid.
Williams will show off her talent next against Barcelona in a highly anticipated Spanish Super Cup semi-final in Saudi Arabiaon Wednesday night.
