Barcelona currently have the best chances of signing Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams ahead of Arsenal and others following new negotiations in recent hours, according to Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg.
The La Liga club are determined to add to the Spain international attacker to their ranks this summer, with the move expected to go ahead if they get a green light, leaving the Gunners with no choice but to look elsewhere.
🚨🔵🔴 BREAKING | FC Barcelona currently have the best chances in the race for Nico #Williams – ahead of FC Bayern, Arsenal, and Chelsea. Important new negotiations have taken place over the past 24 hours!
Joan Laporta is now assessing whether a transfer is feasible and if… pic.twitter.com/LRLcr0iWon
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) June 16, 2025
While Arsenal can activate his €65 million release clause, they will need to make Williams their highest-paid player as he is demanding wages of around €385,000 per week.
The North London club remain in the market for a new left winger, but the finances were always going to be a problem to complete a deal for the Bilbao forward, and sporting director Andrea Berta will continue looking at other options.
The Gunners want to strengthen their squad depth in the final third this summer after missing out on the Premier League title for the third consecutive campaign, and a new striker and winger are expected to be signed.
However, Arsenal have to break the bank to sign their current targets, with Sporting CP and RB Leipzig asking for top dollar for Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko, respectively, while Williams wants a huge salary package.