Arsenal 'offered' Barcelona duo after fresh Nico Williams twist

Tom Weber

• Updated: 28 Jun 2024 11:36 BST
• 3 min read

Raphinha and Ferran Torres have been 'offered' to Arsenal, according to a report.

The Gunners look increasingly likely to miss out on Nico Williams. Though the Euro 2024 and Athletic Club star has a release clause worth 'only' €58 million, his sizeable wage demands have thus far put off interested clubs.

Chelsea have already dropped out of the race and recent reports have increasingly suggested that Arsenal also have no intention to make a move for one of Europe's most exciting young players.

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Williams himself has now twice insisted that he is more than happy in Bilbao, though a summer transfer still can't be ruled out. That is because Barcelona are keen on him and the feeling is said to be mutual.

The problem, of course, is that Barcelona have no money.

Barcelona offer up stars

According to HITC transfer expert Graeme Bailey, this has led to Barcelona offering Raphinha and Ferran Torres to clubs around Europe, including Arsenal. The Blaugrana are desperate to raise funds and are willing to offload the pair.

Arsenal are known admirers of both, but reinforcing the wings is not an urgent priority for Mikel Arteta and company right now. Neither player has managed to set the world alight at Barcelona, which casts further doubt on whether Arsenal are willing to pursue them.

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Additionally, Torres recently stated he will be going nowhere. The former Man City star, still under contract in Catalunya until 2027, quite emphatically ruled out a summer transfer when facing the media at Euro 2024.

The Nico Williams saga appears to have hit an impasse. Unless Arsenal show themselves willing to break the bank on him or if Barcelona can manage to convince clubs to pay big money for their outcasts, it increasingly looks as though the 21-year-old will be staying in the Basque Country for the foreseeable future.