Arsenal’s pursuit of Nico Williams may well have hit a roadblock as talks ramp up over the future of the winger.
The Gunners are looking to improve upon their wide options this summer, with Andrea Berta scouring the market for solutions to the scoring problem they have faced.
Nico Williams has been a transfer target for Arsenal for some while now, with Mikel Arteta seemingly gravitating towards the Spanish star.
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However, fresh competition in the transfer window means the North London club aren’t the only ones looking at the 22-year-old.
With Arsenal facing some pressure to get a deal done, there may be some frustration that Nico Williams may well have failed an initial transfer test from Arteta.
Mikel Arteta’s comments on finances could show Nico Williams has failed Arsenal transfer test
Arsenal’s desire to land Nico Williams this summer is matched by several teams as they look to swoop on the Athletic Bilbao star.
Williams has a £50 million release clause, which may seem to be a bargain to most for a player who is quality now and has plenty of potential to grow further in the future.
The issue comes not from the transfer fee, but the wages that the forward seems to be demanding.
According to Sky Sports, Bayern Munich have made initial contact over a move for Williams, which he is “very open” to.
However, the wages are claimed to be something they would have to “dig deep” for, with a request of €20 million (£17 million) gross salary.
It’s a lot of money, and it could end up being the deciding factor, though that’s not something Arteta is seemingly too keen on.
Speaking about the transfer policy in 2022, the Arsenal boss said: “I haven’t had one time a phone call from a player, or member of staff, or someone in recruitment saying they don’t want to join Arsenal. That’s for sure.
“Then, if they go for financial reasons, that’s something else in their mind. But their willingness to come and be part of this… I haven’t experienced something different, and we are really glad.”
If the financial demands end up being the deciding factor, then it may not be a deal that Arsenal wish to pursue anyway.
At a time when the Gunners have rebuilt, they must continue to sign players who want to play for the shirt over that of their rivals.
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Nico Williams alternatives for Arsenal to consider
If things don’t work out for Arsenal and their move for Nico Williams, then attention will have to turn elsewhere.
Rodrygo appears to be a popular option, with the Real Madrid star seemingly open to an exit this summer, with Arsenal lurking in the background.
The Brazilian is comfortable playing on the left or right and possesses plenty of quality, along with potential for the future.
Beyond him, Rafael Leao could be free to leave AC Milan over the summer, with the Portuguese star struggling over the past season.
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