Arsenal losing sight of Nico Williams transfer as Mikel Arteta sent clear market warning

Nico Williams has been a keen target of Mikel Arteta for some time, before even his goal in the European Championship final in 2024. His season that year for club and country was extraordinary, but he was unable to replicate such levels in the campaign just passed.

Williams has been spoken about still as an Arsenal transfer target for this summer, but the same sticking point remains - his wages.

The current release clause set around £50million would be increased and knowing the Basque side, they could take it too extortionate levels.

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. He has been dealing with a groin injury, but despite rumours that he could undergo a procedure to fix it, he has joined the Spain side for the upcoming international games.

According to Transfermarkt, Williams has already missed 27 matches through injury during his senior career. The concern is this is now interrupting his form and output and for Arsenal to sign a player who has such high wage demands, they need guarantees over availability.

Injuries were an Achilles heel of the club during 2024/25, and they need to ensure that the players they add to the side this summer can give them the attendance and assurances that Arteta needs to mount a more successful title and trophy challenge. Williams now has questions alongside him whether he can be that guy.

Further to the Williams issue is that the options for the wide forward, while broad, are not outstanding, especially since links to Rodrygo have soured with news he would prefer to stay at Real Madrid to work with Xabi Alonso.

Ademola Lookman, Jamie Gittens, Antoine Semenyo, Anthony Gordon, Bradley Barcola, Eberechi Eze and Kaoru Mitoma have all been mentioned as potential targets. So far, however, there does not appear to be a leading candidate for the Gunners.