The Gunners were really quiet on the market during the Euros. Signing David Raya on a permanent deal was the only move they made.
Now that Euro 2024 and Copa America are both done, Mikel Arteta and Edu are expected to be a lot more active in the market as they look to strengthen their side.
Romano has claimed that Arteta’s appreciation for one Euro 2024 star is ‘real’, but there is a problem.
The 22-year-old was absolutely outstanding for Spain and even scored in the final to help La Roja beat England to win the title.
Williams had admirers even before the Euros, but his stock has gone up significantly following his performances in Germany.
Arsenal have been linked with a move to sign Williams this summer, and he would be a fantastic addition to their squad.
That, however, is not the only issue.
Romano has revealed that Williams’ release clause, which is set at €58 million (£48m), is proving to be a big stumbling block because it needs to be paid in full upfront.
The journalist has claimed that Arsenal do not like that payment structure, even though Arteta’s appreciation of Williams is ‘real’.
He told GiveMeSport: “Premier League clubs are still there because Chelsea still appreciate Nico Williams, but they don’t want to pay crazy money in terms of salary commission, and obviously the release clause in one solution. So this is one topic.
“Arsenal still appreciate Nico Williams, but they also don’t want to pay in that kind of structure. They wanted something different in terms of money, but the appreciation of Arsenal and especially of Mikel Arteta for Nico Williams is real.
“Liverpool also like the player, but Liverpool never started any concrete contact to advance so far.”
Nico Williams of Spain looks on during the UEFA EURO 2024 semi-final match between Spain and France at Munich Football Arena on July 9, 2024 in Mun...
Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images
How Arsenal can raise funds to sign Williams
Williams’ release clause is not big at all in today’s market, but the fact that it has to be paid upfront is what is stopping clubs from making a move for him.
It will be really difficult for Arsenal to splash nearly £50 million in one go right now, but sales of some of their homegrown talents could potentially help them do it.
Every penny Arsenal receive for the sale of their homegrown talents can be declared as pure profit on their books. That’s where the likes of Eddie Nketiah, Reiss Nelson and Emile Smith Rowe come in.
The trio, if Arsenal can sell them, could potentially raise a combined fee in the region close to £100 million. That money could help the Gunners land the ‘world-class‘ Williams in the coming weeks.
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