Why Arsenal and Chelsea May Need to Meet Huge Wage Demands to Land Nico Williams

Nico Williams continues to attract interest from top European clubs, with Arsenal and Chelsea among the Premier League sides closely monitoring the Athletic Club winger.

At just 22, Williams is regarded as one of the brightest young talents in football, and his €60 million (£51 million) release clause is seen as a potential bargain in today’s inflated transfer market.

However, while the transfer fee may be appealing, it is the player’s wage expectations that present a major hurdle. According to reports, Williams is demanding a salary exceeding £400,000 per week to consider a move to the Premier League. This significant figure reflects both his growing reputation and his current earnings at Athletic Club.

Due to Athletic Bilbao’s unique recruitment policy—only signing players from the Basque region—the club prioritises retaining top talent through lucrative contracts. Williams is already believed to be earning over £200,000 per week, a substantial figure for La Liga standards. His representatives are seeking to more than double that in any future deal, largely to offset the differences in tax structures between Spain and the UK, which would impact his net income.

While clubs like Arsenal and Chelsea could easily meet the release clause, matching Williams’ wage demands may prove more challenging. These financial expectations could delay or derail any potential summer move, unless a compromise is reached that satisfies both the player and the purchasing club.