Revealed: Why Arsenal can’t afford Nico Williams’ LOW release clause

Carlo Garganese

• 26 Jun 2024 07:45 BST
• 3 min read

Despite his low release clause, Nico Williams is unlikely to join Arsenal this summer because he is too expensive.

CaughtOffside explains how despite the fact Williams has a minimum fee release clause of just €58 million in his Athletic Bilbao contract, he is actually a lot more expensive that it appears on the surface.

The reason for this is because release clauses in Spain have to be paid in full, immediately.

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Usually buying clubs will spread out the transfer fee over the period of the player’s contract at his new club.

This won’t be possible for Williams, making his operation an extremely expensive one on the club’s accounts this year.

Furthermore, it is reported that Williams also is on a very big wage at Athletic so together with his transfer fee, the Spain international would be too expensive.

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Williams is one of the most wanted players in Europe this summer, with Chelsea, Barcelona and others all interested.

Williams has been one of the stars of the Euro 2024 group stages with electric performances in the wins over Croatia and Italy.

Against the reigning champions last Thursday, Williams tore apart the Italy right-back Giovanni Di Lorenzo and set up the winner - an own goal by Riccardo Calafiori.

How much is Nico Williams release clause?

There is a €58 million release clause in Williams’ contract at Athletic.

The 21-year-old Williams is considered one of the most exciting young wingers in all of Europe.

Until now it has been reported that Williams would prefer to continue his career in Spain for now.

He has emerged as an electric talent over the last year or so.

Blessed with lightning pace and dribbling skills, he has a promising future in the game.

After making his debut for Athletic in 2021, Williams has scored 20 goals in 122 games.

He has also scored two goals in 16 games for Spain, and travelled to the 2022 World Cup.

His brother is fellow Athletic Bilbao star Inaki Williams, who plays his international football for the Ghana national team.