Nico Williams Arsenal transfer truth as Mikel Arteta faces major stumbling block

Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams is facing a significant hurdle in his potential move to Arsenal. Mikel Arteta has identified Williams as a target as he seeks to bolster his squad with a high-quality signing.

The 22-year-old does have a buy-out clause of around £50million, which could potentially be activated by a club in January, but it's far from certain that he would want to leave this month. Arteta is keen on the player, but even a summer transfer could be complicated by the Spanish star's wage demands.

After helping Spain win last summer's Euros, where he scored against England in the final, Williams would demand more £300,000 per week, making him one of Europe's highest earners. Tax rules surrounding his current contract in Bilbao mean that his net earnings would necessitate a substantial Premier League contract.

Despite this, Arsenal remain interested, and Mirror Sport reported last summer that scouts had been monitoring him as a primary target, with other top clubs also showing interest. Barcelona are keeping an eye on the situation, but financial constraints on the La Liga giants may give Arsenal or another English club the upper hand.

Arsenal are desperate for reinforcements following a slump in form that has left them six points behind leaders Liverpool, who also have a game in hand. They lost their Carabao Cup semi-final first leg to Newcastle 2-0.

However, unless a sudden breakthrough occurs with Williams or another significant opportunity arises, they may not secure a major deal this month. They will be in the market next summer and will have the capacity to make substantial deals while still adhering to Profit and Sustainability Rules.

Arsenal continues to monitor RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, who was their top centre forward target last summer. However, this month could be quiet with Chelsea loanee Raheem Sterling returning to fitness after Bukayo Saka was ruled out for at least two months.