Arsenal dealt blow as dream target Nico Williams responds to transfer approach

Arsenal have seen their chances of signing Athletic Bilbao superstar Nico Williams take a hit after the winger was reported to have confirmed interest in a move elsewhere

Nico Williams has told Bayern Munich he is open to joining them in a blow to Arsenal hopes. Mikel Arteta is a huge fan of the Athletic Bilbao winger and any plan to get a deal over the line has now only been made more difficult.

Vincent Kompany's side have entered the running to land the star with Bayern chiefs Max Eberl and Christoph Freund holding talks with Williams’ representatives. The Bundesliga giants have already missed out on Florian Wirtz this summer and have turned their attention to the Spain international, according to Sky Germany.

Bayern are set to see space open up in their squad with the exit of Leroy Sane. The former Manchester City ace knocked back a move to the Saudi Pro League but travelled to Turkey on Wednesday ahead of a switch to Galatasaray on a free transfer.

To be successful, Bayern will need to stump up Williams' €58 million (£48.1m) release clause to prise him away from Bilbao. But it is the Basque star's salary that could prove most prohibitive.

Mirror Football understands that the 22-year-old wants to be paid more than £300,000-a-week to make him one of the bigger earners in Europe. That figure itself made a move difficult for Arsenal, while Barcelona, who have also been heavily linked with Williams, saw their plans to sign the player damaged by the demands.

Athletic Bilbao have not given up hope of retaining their talisman's services either however. Reports in Spain claim that the La Liga side will offer an increase in salary and an immediate release clause should he extend his deal until 2027.

After seeing Williams turn down multiple transfers away from the club in the past, the Basque side do not think its implausible to happen again. Athletic will hope their qualification for the Champions League proves helpful to their cause.

Williams finished this season with 11 goals and seven assists for Bilbao after truly breaking out in 2024 with an impressive campaign as Spain won the Euros. Arsenal have long admired the winger but have been less keen to take on his wage demands.

His current club are adamant they want to retain Williams' services over cashing in however. "I believe we have a winning and interesting project for everyone, and Nico is part of that project, just like many other players," Bilbao president Jon Uriarte told Spanish outlet El Correo.

"The project becomes easier if we keep our players - and I believe Nico and the rest of the squad have a very exciting year ahead."

Speaking after he decided to remain with Bilbao last summer, Williams said: “Many teams want you, I've had many offers to do things that another player would have done, but I'm happy here, Bilbao is my home. My heart is red and white."

Though he hinted that may be a temporary situation when he added: "I had a talk with my parents and my brother, and we decided it was best to stay for another year.”