The competition to sign Nico Williams is heated, as Bayern Munich and Arsenal made the Spanish winger a top priority in their summer transfer window.
The athletic club star, who enjoyed the outstanding 2024/25 2024/25 campaign at La Liga, is now one of Europe’s most coveted offensive talents, and his future is set to dominate the headlines in the coming weeks.
Bayern Munich has taken the lead and signed the winger, and has already held two meetings with Williams representatives this month to lure him into the Bundesliga.
The German giants want to build on the success they had last season.
They lost Leroy Sain to Galatasaray, and manager Vincent Company is keen to add quality to his team in a wide offensive position.
Williams is seen as an important piece that brings energy, creativity and pace to the side.
Bayern Munich is chasing Arsenal’s target Williams
Additional meetings are reportedly planned, highlighting Bayern’s resolve to move forward in the chase.
Meanwhile, Arsenal is pushing hard. Mikel Arteta is considered a huge admirer of Williams, and he considers it a perfect addition to his playing style.
The gunners are closely monitoring the situation and are expected to move soon.
Last season, seeing his wider players struggle with injuries, the Gunners boss is ready to add more depth to his team, which we’ve seen them tie in with the moves of Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga.
At the heart of the battle is the Williams contract with a release clause of 58 million euros. This is a number that targets wingers relatively affordably, given their age, potential and proven ability at the top level.
Williams has high pay requirements
However, salary expectations can prove a stumbling block. Williams representatives are reportedly demanding a substantial wage package. This could test the limitations of the most ambitious suitors.
The Athletic Club has not given up on its hopes to maintain their valuable assets. The Basque side is preparing to offer Williams a contract extension in favour of him in order to persuade him to stay with Saint Mames.
Manchester United manager Reuben Amorim praised Williams last season before United’s Europa League clashed with the athletic club by calling the Spanish winger a “special player.”
Meanwhile, the gunners are also trying to bolster their defense by targeting the movement of Crystal Palace centre backmark Guech.
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