Arsenal ‘Keen’ on Signing £62.5m Premier League Star | OneFootball

Arsenal’s Search for a Left-Winger: Nico Williams vs. Matheus Cunha

Arsenal’s pursuit of Nico Williams has added an intriguing layer to their summer transfer plans. The 22-year-old winger, currently lighting up LaLiga with Athletic Club, has been a standout performer this season. With impressive displays, including a crucial brace in the Europa League against Roma, Williams has firmly positioned himself as one of Spain’s most exciting talents. However, while Arsenal’s interest in Williams is genuine, there are hurdles to overcome before a deal can be made.

Release Clause Hurdle

Arsenal’s interest in Williams is far from speculative. TEAMtalk understands that Mikel Arteta is keen to bolster his attacking options, particularly on the left-wing, despite already having Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli. However, the Athletic Club winger’s €58m (£48.9m, $63.5m) release clause, which Athletic expect to be paid in one lump sum, is a significant factor in this potential move. While this clause is tempting for many suitors, the financial structure of such a deal is far from straightforward for Arsenal.

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The complication lies not just in the release clause itself, but in the high wages Williams currently commands. At Athletic Club, he is on a lucrative €200,000 per week deal (£170,000, $219,000), a figure that Arsenal would need to exceed in order to tempt him to move. In addition to the release clause, Arsenal would also have to factor in taxes, making this transfer more costly than it might first appear.

Competition from Other European Giants

Arsenal are not alone in their admiration for Williams. Barcelona, as confirmed by TEAMtalk, see the winger as a dream signing and have previously expressed serious interest. President Joan Laporta has been vocal about his desire to reunite Williams with Lamine Yamal, another highly-rated Spanish talent. However, Barcelona’s ongoing financial issues, including the need to sell players before making significant signings, make a deal for Williams far from guaranteed.

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Bayern Munich also have their eye on Williams, with the club viewing his €58m release clause as good value for a player of his calibre. Meanwhile, Chelsea’s interest in Williams has cooled, as they are poised to sign Geovany Quenda in the summer. While the left-wing position remains a potential target for Chelsea, it is no longer a priority, especially with Jadon Sancho expected to join permanently.

Arsenal’s Dual Interest: Nico Williams vs. Matheus Cunha

While Arsenal’s focus on Williams is clear, there is another player in their sights: Matheus Cunha of Wolves. Arsenal’s soon-to-be sporting director, Andrea Berta, is reportedly keen on bringing Cunha to North London, with TEAMtalk highlighting the Brazilian’s profile as a good fit for Arteta’s system. Despite Cunha’s £62.5m release clause being slightly higher than Williams’, the overall cost of a deal for Cunha would likely be less due to his lower wages compared to Williams.

However, TEAMtalk reports that it is unlikely Arsenal will pursue both players, as the club has to balance its budget carefully. While Cunha is more versatile, capable of playing both as a winger and a centre-forward, Williams remains a primary target. Arsenal’s priority will be to secure a player who can contribute immediately to their title ambitions, but the financial structure of any deal will play a pivotal role in determining the outcome.

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The interest in Nico Williams is both exciting and concerning. Williams has shown himself to be a dynamic and creative winger, with his performances for Athletic Club this season undoubtedly catching the eye. His addition to Arsenal’s squad could provide another potent attacking option, especially with Arteta’s preference for fluidity in attack and versatility across the forward positions.

However, the hurdles surrounding this deal are significant. The release clause, the wages, and the competition from Barcelona and Bayern Munich all make this a complicated transfer. From a financial standpoint, Arsenal must be cautious not to overspend, especially with the pressure to balance the books under the club’s profit and sustainability rules. The addition of Williams would undoubtedly strengthen the squad, but it is crucial that the club does not jeopardise its future financial stability for a single signing.

The pursuit of Matheus Cunha is another element that adds intrigue to Arsenal’s summer plans. Given Cunha’s versatility and slightly lower overall cost, he could represent better value for money. However, should Arsenal decide that Williams is the better fit for the team, they will need to act swiftly and decisively to navigate the complex financial landscape.

Ultimately, Arsenal’s focus should be on securing top-quality signings that complement Arteta’s tactical approach while ensuring the club remains financially responsible. Whether it’s Williams or Cunha, the Gunners’ summer business will likely define their ability to challenge for the Premier League and compete in Europe next season.