Arsenal are interested in a summer move for Nico Williams, but they could be put off by the player’s representatives demanding huge wages this summer.
Chris Wheeler reports for the Daily Mail that Arsenal are indeed one of the clubs showing an interest in the signing of Nico Williams from Athletic Club this summer, along with Premier League rivals Chelsea.
But one major potential stumbling block is Williams’ wage demands, with the player’s representatives reportedly asking for more than £400,000 a week.
Wheeler adds that it’s also possible the winger could sign a new contract with Athletic, including a revised release clause. The current clause was one of the key elements that made the signing attractive, so a new contract could result in Arsenal withdrawing from the race.
Ed Aarons confirmed for The Guardian earlier this month that Arsenal are exploring a summer move for Williams, and that new sporting director Andrea Berta held talks with the player’s representatives in one of his first acts in the job.
Aarons added that Arsenal have heavily scouted Williams for two years and considered a move last summer, only deciding against it when informed that the player wanted to say with Athletic Club for another year.
There was an expectation that Williams would push for a move this time around, but he may have to lower his wage demands if he wants a transfer to Arsenal. The Gunners have never before handed out a £400,000-a-week contract, let alone any more than that.
Other sources including Gary Jacob of The Times have reported a slightly more reasonable wage demand of more than £250,000-a-week. Still a high figure, but significantly less than the £400,000 being claimed by the Daily Mail.
But John Cross of the Mirror wrote in early April that Williams wages have always been the main issue in trying to sign him, claiming that hasn’t changed.
Winger Williams has 11 goals and seven assists for Athletic Club this season, over the course of 43 games. He’ll come up against Manchester United in their Europa League semi-final later this week.