Arsenal chase Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams. But suffered a devastating blow when reports confirmed the Spanish international told Bayern Munich he is ”very open” to a move to join the German club this summer. The news jeopardizes Mikel Arteta’s wish to add a high-profile wide attacker to their squad this summer in an attempt to have the Gunners on course to challenge for a title this season.
In a significant twist, Bayern’s sporting director Max Eberl and technical director Christoph Freund met directly with Nico Williams‘ agents earlier this week. The 22-year-old, whose pace, creativity (11 goals, 7 assists this season), and Euro 2024 experience make him a desirable target, was reportedly happy to evaluate a switch to the Allianz Arena, with Williams reportedly stating that Bayern would be a ”top alternative,” following their first choice of PSG’s Bradley Barcola proving ”very difficult” to sign . Williams’ openness to joining forces with Bayern is a promising sign. Moreover, it strengthens the club’s position, although Bayern have reported that their discussions are still in the ”early stages” and there has not yet been any formal agreement made.
While the potential €58-60 million (£48-50m) release clause for Williams is certainly achievable, his incredible salary requirement of €20m gross per year (around €380,000/week or £322,000/week) creates an extraordinary obstacle. These numbers would make him immediately one of Arsenal’s best paid players, in all likelihood more than Kai Havertz whose wages are £280,000/week. Last summer, Arsenal and Chelsea “baulked” at Williams’ total package price, and despite being a very wealthy club, Bayern could hesitate too.
🚨 Arsenal & Bayern Munich have knocked on the door of Nico Williams, with both clubs willing to pay his €62m release clause & offer him a ‘high contract’ to convince him to join. Williams wants to know Barcelona’s plan before deciding the next step. [@sport via @Sport_Witness] pic.twitter.com/7yeu0kIaNo
Athletic Club are going to fight tooth and nail to hold on to Williams. They have put together an impressive new contract offer for Williams. That must include increased wages and also a higher release clause to deter potential suitors from bidding for him. This fits with Williams’ public declarations not so long ago saying as recently as April: “I’m super happy here… I’ve always wanted to feel important here” and that he wants to *“make history at this club”* . Williams has a deep emotional attachment to Bilbao. He has an “incredible” relationship with fans. His partner lives in the city which makes it more complicated emotionally to move away from the area.
For Arsenal chase, it’s an almighty kick in the balls after tracking Williams for over a year. Only in March there were reports of an “agreed” deal. But Bayern’s interest and Williams’ willingness to consider it have changed the landscape. Arteta’s attacking reinforcements were already complicated by Sporting CP’s demands over striker Viktor Gyokeres. Now the Gunners could also fast-track interest in Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, labelled a “dream target” by Fabrizio Romano. This also hinges on the Brazilian actually wanting to leave the Bernabéu (which he doesn’t appear to).
❗️Barcelona got a clear message from Nico Williams on being open to joining the club this summer.
Bayern are willing to make an effort, he’s still also on Arsenal list while Barça have their chance now.
— @FabrizioRomano pic.twitter.com/G4AaYe9eB0
Bayern will be encouraged by Williams’ wage demands and Bilbao’s relentless push for a new contract. If talks stall, Arsenal could get back into the picture again. However, the ground will have shifted, and their position won’t be as strong. Chelsea remain an option but are facing the same positioning issues. The balance Williams will have to weigh is whether his sporting ambition outweighs his loyalty. Barcelona are still in the mix as well as a potential “dark horse” club if that happens.
As the window heats up, Arsenal chase and their recruitment team will not have any shortage of pressure to pivot quickly. They need to make sure the summer of ambition doesn’t become the summer of frustration.
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