EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal favourites for Nico Williams due to financial advantage

Steve Kay

Updated: 21 Mar 2025 09:46 CDT
3 min read

FootballTransfers understands that Arsenal are in pole position to sign Athletic Club winger Nico Williams, with personal terms and wages not thought to be an issue for the Gunners.

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The Spanish international has been linked with several top European clubs, including Chelsea and Barcelona, but we are told that Arsenal’s financial situation puts them ahead of the competition.

STATS

Nico Williams

M (L)

Athletic

Nico Williams

M (L)

Athletic

37

Games
9

Goals
7

Assists

Williams is currently on a €10.42 million per year (£8.9m per year) contract with Athletic Club, earning around €200,385 (£171,000) per week.

According to sources in Spain, Arsenal are prepared to offer him £200,000 per week on a five-year deal, bringing his yearly earnings to £10.4m, a figure his representatives have already indicated would be accepted if he chooses to move to North London.

One of the key reasons Arsenal are in a strong position to land Williams is the significant wage space they are set to free up this summer. The departures of Kieran Tierney (£110,000 per week), Thomas Partey (£200,000 per week), and Jorginho (£110,000 per week) will clear £420,000 per week in wages, giving the club plenty of room to accommodate Williams’ hefty salary.

Arsenal in a healthy financial position

Unlike Chelsea and Barcelona, who both face financial constraints and wage restrictions, Arsenal’s smart squad planning allows them to move decisively in the market.

Barcelona, in particular, are struggling to register new signings due to LaLiga’s strict salary cap, while Chelsea are juggling Financial Fair Play concerns due to their yearly spending sprees.

Despite reports suggesting Arsenal might struggle to meet Williams’ wage demands, sources indicate that conversations have already taken place with his camp. The feedback from his representatives is clear: if Williams chooses Arsenal, the financial terms will not be an issue.

Williams is still considering his future, with a summer move looking increasingly likely. FootballTransfers previously reported that Arsenal’s new sporting director, Andrea Berta, has made Williams his top priority in his first transfer window at the club.

While nothing is finalised yet, Arsenal are in an excellent position to secure the winger’s signature. With the club financially prepared and personal terms already in place, the decision now rests with Williams himself.