Arsenal Face Stiff Wage Demand in Pursuit of Spanish Star Nico Williams

 Gunners Must Offer £250k-a-Week Deal to Rival Barcelona and Chelsea for Bilbao Winger

Arsenal will need to make Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams one of their highest-paid players if they hope to secure his signature this summer, according to reports. The 22-year-old Spanish international, who turned down a move to the Emirates last year, has re-emerged as a top target for Mikel Arteta’s side—but his wage demands could complicate any deal.

The Gunners’ new sporting director, Andrea Berta, has already made contact with Williams’ representatives in an effort to get ahead of rival clubs. However, The Telegraph reports that the explosive winger expects to earn wages in line with Arsenal’s top stars—such as Martin Ødegaard, Bukayo Saka, and Kai Havertz—who are believed to earn around £250,000 per week.

Adding to the financial challenge, Williams’ €60 million (£50m) release clause would require a significant upfront payment, eating into Arsenal’s summer budget as they also prioritize signing a new striker. The club is already close to finalizing a deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Martín Zubimendi, who has a similar release clause, while also leading the race for Espanyol goalkeeper Joan García.

With Barcelona and Chelsea also circling, Arsenal face stiff competition for Williams, who currently earns “significantly more” than £100,000 per week at Bilbao. The Gunners’ wage bill has already surged by 40% since 2023, and further big-money contract renewals for Saka and William Saliba are expected soon.

Despite the financial hurdles, Arsenal remain determined to strengthen their squad. If a deal for Newcastle’s Alexander Isak proves too costly, the club could pivot to Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyökeres as a more affordable striker option.

For now, Williams remains a key target—but Arsenal will have to break their wage structure to bring him to North London.

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