Arsenal are ready to pay Nico Williams’ €58million release clause, while Chelsea are also expected to hold further talks with the player’s agents over a potential transfer from Athletic Bilbao this summer.
Sources with a close understanding of Williams’ situation have informed that there is a long list of suitors pursuing the Spain international this summer, however, it’s suggested that Arsenal and Chelsea are the ones advancing for the moment.
Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain also all like the player, but this is not anticipated to be a simple or cheap deal to get done, and that’s caused uncertainty among some parties.
It has been widely reported that Chelsea are also unsure about being able to afford Williams, rumours have it that the Blues have not ended their interest yet, and will hold further discussions to work out if an agreement can be struck.
Having shone in La Liga and now for his country at Euro 2024, it’s not surprising to see Williams attracting so much interest, and it’s clear that both Chelsea and Arsenal need more options in the attacking midfield department.
Arsenal may want the option of resting Bukayo Saka a little more often after he’s played so much football at a relatively young age, while Mikel Arteta could also do with an alternative to Gabriel Martinelli after the Brazilian’s dip in form last season.
Chelsea, meanwhile, will surely view someone like Williams as a significant upgrade on inconsistent performers like Mykhailo Mudryk and Raheem Sterling, though it could be tricky to convince the 21-year-old to join while they’re not able to offer Champions League football.
That could surely give the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City the advantage, so it will be interesting to see how this saga develops in the coming days and weeks.
