Arsenal and Chelsea dealt blow in pursuit of £49m transfer target

Arsenal have been heavily linked with Nico Williams (Picture: Getty)

Arsenal and Chelsea have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Athletic Club winger Nico Williams, according to reports.

Both Premier League clubs are seeking wide attacking reinforcements in the summer transfer window and had earmarked WIlliams as a potential target.

Arsenal, in particular, were keen on on securing a deal, having failed with a move to sign the 22-year-old following Spain’s success at Euro 2024

Andrea Berta, the club’s new sporting director, had even met representatives to discuss a deal for the winger who has a €58 million (£49m) release clause in his current deal.

Williams enjoyed a solid season with Athletic, scoring 11 goals and seven assists in all competitions to help guide his boyhood club back into the Champions League.

And the Spain international could now be set to extend his stay with the club, with Ben Jacobs reporting that he has begun talks over renewing his contract, which is due to expire in June 2027.

While talks are still at an early stage, reports suggest that Williams could be offered a yearly salary of €10m (£8.5m) which would represent a significant increase on his current earnings.

Nico Williams is open to extending his stay at Athletic Club (Picture: Getty)

A new deal would also come with an increased release clause, which could price potential suitors out of a deal.

Barcelona were previously interested in Williams’ signature, but the Catalan giants have indicated that they will not look to sign the Spaniard this summer.

‘He was one of the candidates we were looking at when we were evaluating options,’ Barcelona president Juan Laporta told TV3 when asked about Barca’s interest in Williams.

Chelsea are seeking to refresh their options in wide attacking areas (Picture: Getty)

‘We have a good profile of this player, who is an excellent player, but I think at this moment they are evaluating other options.’

Arsenal and Chelsea, meanwhile, could also turn their attentions elsewhere as they plot reinforcements for their respective squads.

Both clubs have been heavily linked with a move for Real Madrid winger Rodrygo, although new manager Xabi Alonso has been keen to quash speculation linking the Brazilian with a summer exit.

Chelsea have also reportedly opened talks to sign Borussia Dortmund youngster Jamie Gittens.

The Englishman is keen on a move away from the Bundesliga club and could be available for a fee in the region of £50m.

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