Exclusive: Arsenal to smash Nico Williams release clause as Tel talks stall

Arsenal are set to be foiled in their attempts to land Bayern Munich striker Mathys Tel as FootballTransfers understands that Nico Williams remains Mikel Arteta’s priority signing.

Article continues under the video

The Gunners have been chasing a striker throughout the transfer window. RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko proved impossible to land this month while an offer for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins was knocked back.

2024/2025

Season Statistics

2024/2025

14 Appearances 33

0 Goals 3

1 Assists 8

4 Key Passes 51

6 Shots On Target 24

457 Minutes Played 2261

Bayern’s teenager Mathys Tel is the latest player to have been in talks with the Emirates club, but according to FootballTransfers sources this deal will breakdown over the Bundesliga side’s demands.

Vincent Kompany’s outfit want a permanent sale or a loan with a purchase obligation. Arsenal are unwilling to give them either of these possibilities. Instead, they wanted a purchase option on the 19-year-old Frenchman.

While Arsenal are likely to scramble until the deadline to try to find a No.9 to offer support to Kai Havertz with Gabriel Jesus out until the end of the season due to serious injury – a late bid for Watkins and Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic are two to watch – the Gunners are also planning towards the summer.

Arsenal ready huge Nico Williams offer

Nico Williams tops Arteta’s shortlist for the end of the season in the attacking midfield area. Indeed, FootballTransfers exclusively revealed that Arsenal tried to land the Spain international during January but after showing a willingness to match the player’s release clause were unable to do a deal.

It is a case they will revisit in the summer. FootballTransfers understands that the Gunners are even ready to pay above Nico Williams’ release figure of €58 million to get the done deal.

By spending more on the player, they can ensure more favourable payment terms, which could be valuable in future seasons with regards the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

Nico Williams is ready to accept the Gunners’ offer in the summer, with the presence of Spain international colleagues David Raya, Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi, who will hook up with the Gunners at the end of the season, thought to be vital in his thinking.