Arsenal in ‘bidding’ for exciting signing –Arteta’s side ‘put money on table’ for bargain deal

Arsenal are one of the clubs ‘bidding’ for Athletic’s Nico Williams in the summer window.

That’s according to AS, who state Arsenal have ‘put money on the table’ for both the La Liga side and the winger.

The report adds the Spain international’s €58m release clause ‘seems like a bargain’ for the top Premier League sides, including Arsenal.

Barcelona are keen on signing the 21-year-old, but their delicate financial situation does not allow them to carry out this operation as of now. The Catalan club would only be able to afford to pay the €58m clause if they were to sell Raphinha or Frenkie de Jong.

Barca are running out of time to raise funds as the ‘pressure is increasing’ from England. As well as Arsenal, Chelsea are also willing to make an offer to Athletic and their star, who will only think about his future after the Euros.

It’s claimed some of the interested parties are willing to exercise his clause and then send him on loan for a season to the Basque club, as long as he agrees. AS don’t make it clear if Mikel Arteta’s side are one of them, and it would seem an odd step to take.

Over at ABC, they state Arsenal are one of the clubs to have approached Williams after his fine displays for Spain at the Euros.

Athletic, for their part, are confident Williams will continue with them and believe this is the position maintained by his entourage. The player’s camp also feels it’s best to stay at the club for at least one more season.