Arsenal have made a strong play to secure the signature of Nico Williams from Athletic Club, making the Spain international a huge contract offer that cannot be matched by their rivals in the race to sign him.
The Gunners have long been interested in adding the 22-year-old to Mikel Arteta’s squad, yet he was reticent to make a move last summer. Nico has opened the door to a transfer but has indicated that he would prefer to move to Barcelona.
In a bid to change his mind, Arsenal have offered the Bilbao-based star a huge financial incentive to move to North London.
According to Sport, the Gunners have offered Nico Williams a contract worth €9 million net per year.
This is more than he would be offered at Barcelona, where the salary structure sees Lamine Yamal as their benchmark player on a basic €8m per year.
It is also more than Nico would be paid if he were to renew his deal with Athletic Club.
Transfer stance is very clear
Nico Williams has narrowed his options down to two possibilities. Neither of these involves going to Arsenal, Sport claims in a separate report.
Instead, he will either move to Barcelona or will stay with Athletic Club and extend his contract in Bilbao.
It is even claimed that he is willing to reduce his current salary if that means he is able to move to Barca.
“The player’s entourage is clear that it will not be the club that matches the astronomical figures of Arsenal or Bayern as Nico does not based his future only on finances,” Sport claimed.
“He wants to play for Barcelona. He knows he’s not the first choice, but he accepts that as long as he’s signed. He is convinced that he can fit into the model of play and grow under Hansi Flick in a dressing room he already feels part of.”
The Catalan source stresses, however, that any transfer saga could be prolonged.
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