Arsenal Back Away from Signing £43m Star Due to High Wage Demands

Arsenal have pulled out of signing Nico Williams due to his exorbitant wage demands.

Arsenal have shifted their focus in the transfer market after discovering the excessive wage demands of one of their key targets.

Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar are diligently working through their list of potential signings for this transfer window.

Despite being linked with numerous high-profile names, Arsenal have already faced some setbacks.

The club was keen to secure the services of Benjamin Sesko, but the striker opted to extend his contract with RB Leipzig instead.

As a result, Arsenal have redirected their attention towards reinforcing their wide attacking options rather than pursuing an out-and-out striker.

Nico Williams Out of Reach

One player who has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates is Nico Williams.

The 21-year-old Spanish winger, with a £43 million release clause in his contract, has impressed with his performances for Athletic Bilbao.

Last season, Williams scored eight goals and provided 19 assists, making him a sought-after talent among top European clubs.

Williams’ pace and versatility, allowing him to play on either wing, make him an attractive option for Arsenal.

However, reports from GiveMeSport suggest that the Gunners are no longer pursuing Williams.

The primary reason for this decision appears to be the player’s wage demands.

Williams is reportedly seeking a salary of nearly £300,000-a-week, a figure that would make him Arsenal’s highest-paid player, surpassing the likes of Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Martin Odegaard, and Bukayo Saka.

Additionally, it seems Williams favours a move to Barcelona, influenced by fellow player Lamine Yamal’s encouragement.

Arsenal’s Alternative Targets

With Williams no longer a viable option, Arsenal must look elsewhere to bolster their wide attacking positions.

The team already boasts talents like Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Jesus, who can all play on the flanks.

However, with most of these players being right-footed, Arsenal could benefit from adding a left-footed winger to their ranks, someone who can replicate Saka’s impact on the opposite wing.

According to the same report from GiveMeSport, Arsenal might reignite their interest in Wolves star Pedro Neto.

Neto has long been on Arsenal’s radar and could be a suitable alternative.

However, acquiring Neto will not come cheap, with Wolves reportedly valuing him at £60 million.

As Arsenal continue to navigate the complexities of the transfer market, the club must weigh their options carefully.

While Nico Williams’ wage demands have led to Arsenal backing away, the search for a suitable wide forward continues.

Whether Arsenal will make a significant investment in a player like Pedro Neto or explore other options remains to be seen.

This strategic approach will be crucial as Arsenal aim to strengthen their squad and compete at the highest level next season.