Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta will have to solve the “issue” of Nico Williams’ wage demands if the Gunners are to secure the Spaniard’s signature, according to The Mirror reporter John Cross.

The Guardian reported earlier this week that Berta has been in talks with the winger’s representatives but Cross says the Italian will have to offer terms that improve on his reported €200,000 a week salary:

“Arsenal’s long-standing interest in Nico Williams has always been an issue over his contract at Athletic Bilbao.”

“[It’s] hard for any club to match/better it. That hasn’t changed so if Andrea Berta can pull that one off…”

Paying the transfer fee won’t be an issue for Arsenal

While personal terms remain the main obstacle in negotiations, it is not felt that the Gunners will have any problems matching Williams’ release clause.

Reports suggest that the 22-year-old can be signed for just €58m (£48m), which seems like an excellent price for a player of his calibre.

Williams has interest from rival Premier League clubs

Of course, the fact that the Spanish international is available for a reasonably low fee means that other teams are also circling. Liverpool and Chelsea are said to be keeping close tabs on his situation.

Most sources feel that Arsenal are in pole position to land Williams at the moment but a lot rides on how much they are willing to pay him.

Arsenal could offload Thomas Partey on a free transfer this summer. The Ghanaian earns £200,000 a week, which is slightly more than Williams, so his departure from the Emirates would  provide further room for manoeuvre in terms of the wage bill; as would Jorginho (£100,000 a week) who is reportedly set to join Flamengo.

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