Arsenal and Liverpool STILL in the race for Williams after fresh twist

Tom Weber

Updated: 25 Jun 2024 17:48 BST
3 min read

Nico Williams, Spain v Italy, Euro 2024 — © IMAGO

Arsenal and Liverpool 'can't be discounted' in the race to sign Nico Williams, according to a report.

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The Spain star has thus far stolen the show at Euro 2024 and continues to be the subject of rampant speculation. Williams is coming off a great season with Athletic Club and is on the radar of pretty much every elite club.

The 21-year-old boasts a release clause worth just €58 million, which is seen as great value for money given his skills and significant potential, but the Basque star is already on a hefty wage in Bilbao. This means that the entire package to sign him is quite pricey - too pricey.

Both Barcelona and Chelsea are fully out of the race to sign Williams because he is quite simply too expensive for them. Additionally, The Athletic recently shot down links with Liverpool, while it has also been thought that Arsenal are unlikely to make a move for him because of his wage demands.

However, it seems that this is not set in stone just yet.

Arsenal, Liverpool remain in the race

At least that is according to Ben Jacobs, who reports that both Arsenal and Liverpool remain players in the race to sign the attacker. "Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams is having an outstanding Euro 2024 for Spain so far, but suitors are well aware a deal is problematic," Jacobs told CaughtOffside.

"Williams has a release clause of over £45m, which is seen as value in the market, but the overall cost of a transfer is still expensive – the deal comes with taxes and Williams would expect a wage of in excess of £200k-per-week."

"Chelsea are not in the race. They ruled out a bid for Williams before they tried for Michael Olise. Barcelona appreciate the player but not the price. For his part, Williams is very open to that move. Arsenal and Liverpool still can’t be discounted and are both in the market for a winger this summer."