Arsenal and Barcelona transfer target’s future could depend on financial package

Transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on the future of Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams amid interest from the likes of Arsenal and Barcelona.

Speaking exclusively to CaughtOffside for the latest edition of his Daily Briefing column, Romano explained that it’s still a little early to know precisely what’s going on with Williams’ future, though it seems Barca do appreciate the player.

Arsenal also have the talented young Spaniard high on their list of targets, as Charles Watts previously told CaughtOffside for his Daily Briefing column, and it makes sense that big clubs are keen on this exciting attacking player who looks like he surely has a big future in the game.

Still only 21 years of age, Williams has seven goals and ten assists in all competitions so far this season, and Arsenal could really do with someone like that to give them a bit more depth in attack as they’ve often found themselves overly reliant on Bukayo Saka, particularly with Gabriel Martinelli’s form going downhill this season.

Barca, meanwhile, might do well to think about an upgrade on Raphinha, but Romano insists that interested clubs are still waiting to better understand the finances that would be involved in attempting to complete a deal for Williams.

Williams transfer: Romano’s update on the Athletic Bilbao star

“I’m not aware of talks so far but Nico has really many suitors. Barcelona, English top clubs and not only… there’s lot of interest,” Romano said.

“I’m still told all the clubs are waiting to understand the financial package wanted by the player in terms of commission and salary. Barca appreciate him but it’s still early stages.”

Discussing Arsenal’s interest recently, Watts told us: “My understanding is that Arsenal are looking for a player who can operate in the wide positions and Malen has obviously done very well since leaving north London in 2017 and going to PSV and then to Dortmund. But I would be surprised if he is a genuine option for Arsenal.

“What I do know is that they have a long-standing interest in Pedro Neto, while Nico Williams is also understood to be high up on their list of potential targets. I see players like those two well ahead of Malen in the pecking order when it comes to the summer.”