Arsenal are believed to be one of many clubs considering a move for Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams.
Barcelona, Chelsea and Liverpool have also been credited with an interest in the Spanish international who has lit up the European Championships with his performances for his country.
Williams reportedly has a €58m (£49m) release clause in his contract but, when fans on X were asked whether the Gunners should pay it, opinions were split right down the middle:
300k a week will create havoc in our salary structure. That’s the problem
— مبـارك الجـاسـم (@jena3i) July 7, 2024
Yep, cos if we don’t, I’m sure Liverpool will
— Jayde (@Jrocain) July 6, 2024
He already has said multiple times, he‘s happy at Bilbao and doesn‘t wanns leave.
— LutzeBerlin (@Lutze2910) July 6, 2024
I expect Arsenal to do that, sometimes to get what u want you go extra miles to get it.
— Jesutosin Omotubi (@omotubi_j) July 6, 2024
Absolutely not because we’ve got left wingers already in Martinelli and Trossard.
We need a striker that’s it
— Farhana Deeps Pc Khan (@DeepsFarhan) July 7, 2024
Yes the should this is a no brainer with the price and the quality of the player …fs you could buy him loan him out for a season to one of the top teams and sell him on and get around 100 mil without even using him
— Tony (@Irishgunner24) July 7, 2024
Williams’ wage demands are a massive obstacle
After signing a new contract with Athletic back in December, the 21-year-old is now earning €200,000 a week. That means it’s almost certain that he would demand even more than that from Arsenal if they do trigger his buyout clause.
Consequently, Williams could end up being paid more than Bukayo Saka and William Saliba, who only signed new deals last year. That could cause some friction in the dressing room.
Are Arsenal targeting any other wingers?
PSV Eindhoven’s Johan Bakayoko has also been linked with a switch to the Emirates, while Crystal Palace’s Ebereche Eze is said to be a player who is on the club’s radar as well.
Currently, the focus is getting a deal over the line for Bologna centre-half Riccardo Calafiori. The Gunners may have to pay upwards of €50m (£42m) to secure the player’s signature.
