Arsenal 'put money on table' for £46m-rated star

Arsenal are reportedly preparing for further talks over signing Italy’s Riccardo Calafiori. But the 22-year-old is now not the only Euros star the Gunners are seeking to bring to north London.

According to Diario AS, Mikel Arteta’s squad are ‘going all out’ for the 21-year-old Athletic Bilbao and Spanish sensation Nico Williams. The Gunners are reported to be ‘putting money on the table’ for the star, on both the club and player side, meaning they’re sending over their bids in terms of fee and terms.

Williams - who contributed to 27 goals in 37 outings across all competitions from Athletic Bilbao last season - is currently on £200,000-a-week and his current contract includes a £49 million release clause.

While the Gunners appear to be leading the way in securing the rising star’s signature, they are said to be facing fierce competition from Chelsea. Barcelona were also reported to be in the mix, and had been Williams’ club of choice, but the Catalan giants have since pulled out as they are not believed to have the required finances.

It is not, however, just the clubs that are seemingly fighting over the forward with Williams’ Spanish teammates both publicly declaring they wish to see the forward star in their 2024/25 squads. Barcelona’s Pedri told Mundo Deportivo: “Nico Williams would be a spectacular signing for us at Barcelona, it’d be incredible. He’s a player already showing what he’s capable of. I hope he can join us!”

Meanwhile Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella has detailed his own hopes that Williams will soon be at Stamford Bridge: “I’ve been telling Nico Williams to come to Chelsea, but everything depends on him”, the full-back told Catalan Daily Sport.

“He’s a young player and has a lot of experience. I think he will be a great player.”

The 22-year-old is currently representing Spain at the ongoing European Championships and his incredible domestic form has seamlessly transitioned to the international stage. The winger has played three of Spain’s four fixtures so far, scoring and assisting one goal apiece.