Nico Williams’ wage demands will not prevent Arsenal transfer as real stumbling block in deal revealed

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Nico Williams’ wage demands aren’t an issue for Arsenal, although the player is reluctant to leave Spain this summer, Arsenal Insider understands.

Williams enjoyed another encouraging season in Bilbao for Athletic Club in 2024/25, netting eleven goals and providing seven assists across all competitions.

This form has unsurprisingly prompted interest in the Spaniard to resurface, with the likes of the Gunners, Barcelona and Bayern Munich all keeping tabs on his situation.

Williams has been on Arsenal’s radar for over a year now, and while there is still hope at the Emirates that the deal could yet materialise, it looks increasingly likely that he’ll either remain in the Basque country or join Barcelona.

• READ MORE: Confirmed Arsenal summer 2025 transfer ins and outs, signings and done deals

Arsenal target Nico Williams wants Barcelona move

Arsenal’s desire to land Williams has been well-documented, with reports continually circulating suggesting that Mikel Arteta is extremely fond of the player.

However, it’s been mooted throughout the course of the saga that Williams has excessive wage demands, which are potentially deterring suitors from making their move.

That said, transfer expert Graeme Bailey told Arsenal Insider that the financial side of the deal has never been the issue for Arsenal.

“The financial package has never been the issue for Williams,” he said.

“When has a difference on wages ever determined a big deal like this, apart from for a Saudi transfer? It was never the case and never was going to be. The issue is not about the money, but where the player wants to play.”

Rumours emerged this week suggesting that Williams prefers a move to Barcelona, and Bailey has verified these reports, revealing that this was always going to be Arsenal’s issue regarding convincing him to move to North London.

“The suspicion has always been that Williams prefers to stay in Spain. He’s always been sceptical about moving to England or Germany, having enjoyed playing for Bilbao so much.

“He wants to play for Barcelona, with Lamine Yamal. That’s not to say moving to Arsenal would rule out ever playing for Barca, but it would delay it for at least two or three years.

“He wants to go and play with Yamal now. A move to Barcelona this summer isn’t guaranteed, because they have other options. Luis Diaz is on their radar, while Marcus Rashford is a serious option for them.

“But the reason Arsenal or Bayern have never been on the brink of signing him has always been due to his reluctance to leave Spain, not because of money.”

Arsenal should sign Antoine Semenyo instead of Nico Williams

It’s becoming increasingly clear that Williams isn’t interested in joining Arsenal, and the Gunners should stop wasting their time trying to convince him of the move.

While a talented youngster, he’s not at the level where it’s worth putting a hold on pursuing other players in the hope that he changes his mind.

Instead, Arsenal should consider signing Antoine Semenyo, who is being heavily linked with a switch to Tottenham.

While the Bournemouth winger may not develop into a superstar, he’s proven in the Premier League, would be relatively cheap and can play on both sides.

Excellent at getting shots off and being a threat inside the box, Semenyo is also outstanding in the air, giving Arsenal another potential outlet from David Raya’s long balls.

If Williams continues to resist Arsenal’s advances, Semenyo has to be high on their list of alternatives.