Financial constraints hindering Arsenal's pursuit of dream summer signing Nico Williams

Arsenal's summer transfer target Nico Williams.

Financial constraints hindering Arsenal's pursuit of dream summer signing Nico Williams

Stephen Awino 20:49 - 05.04.2025

Arsenal's pursuit of Athletic Club's Nico Williams faces a major financial hurdle.

Arsenal's hopes of landing Athletic Club star Nico Williams this summer are facing significant financial hurdles, despite the club identifying the 22-year-old winger as a top transfer target.

The Gunners, now under the guidance of newly appointed technical director Andrea Berta, are preparing for a summer of heavy investment.

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One of the earliest developments under Berta’s leadership has been contact with Williams' camp, signalling serious intent to bring the Spanish international to north London.

However, securing Williams’ signature will not come easy. Arsenal must contend with a substantial release clause believed to be in the region of £50 million, as well as the player’s considerable wage demands.

The forward currently earns a reported six-figure salary per week after tax at Athletic Club, a result of the club’s unique policy of fielding only Basque players, which enables them to offer premium wages to retain top local talent.

As per Telegraph, to lure Williams from Bilbao, Arsenal would need to offer a contract significantly beyond the norm for a player of his age.

Reports have indicated that the player’s representatives are seeking parity with the club’s top earners, including Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, Declan Rice, and Bukayo Saka, all of whom earn in the region of £250,000 per week.

That request comes at a time when Arsenal are already under financial pressure with the club’s 2023-24 accounts weighing on the club.

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In addition to their pursuit of new talent, the Gunners are also negotiating lucrative extensions for current stars Saka and William Saliba, both of whom have two years remaining on their contracts.

The Gunners are also in pursuit of Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres.

Williams fits the profile of the kind of young, dynamic talent Arsenal want to build around. But as Berta begins shaping his long-term vision for the club, he may find that the economics of this particular deal present more questions than answers.