Nico Williams can sign a contract for Arsenal this summer, as the Gunners are narrowly favourites ahead of Chelsea in his eyes. However, the Athletic Bilbao winger’s destiny rests on one thing – his potential wages. The Gunners would need to accept his large wage package, according to reports out of Europe.
The 22-year-old has an estimated release clause of €65m, and is seeking a salary that would place him among the top earners at Emirates Stadium. That would, by far, be better-paid than Bukayo Saka and probably even Gabriel Jesus as the top earners of the group. He is currently on £200,000 to £300,000 at Bilbao but appears to be requesting an estimated £400,000 per week in the Premier League.
And although Chelsea are interested and keen to initiate his release clause, his wage requirements have sent them into red alert. Arsenal, who had a decent Premier League season and were adamant on signing a world-class attacking player, remain in the mix. But the club would need to think about how that switch would affect their current wage bill.
Williams has established himself in La Liga and was classy in Euro 2024. He has also helped Spain reach the UEFA Nations League final. He will be a major upgrade for Arsenal’s attacking wings and would be yet another creative forward for Mikel Arteta.
Chelsea’s Other Transfer Targets This Summer
As Chelsea are still pursuing the signing of Nico Williams, the club are also struggling to sign some other players to assemble the team under Enzo Maresca. They signed Ipswich youth striker Liam Delap for £30 million and are chasing after Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike as well, whose price is still a concern.
On the wings as well, Chelsea are after Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens, an offer of which has been made of around £50m. The team views Gittens as a long-term solution and is giving him preference over Jadon Sancho.