Why Arsenal are favourites to win transfer race for Athletic Club & Spain sensation Nico Williams - explained

The Spanish sensation has been linked with a move away from Athletic Club next summer with several European giants like Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona waiting in the queue to sign the player. FootballTransfers now reports that the Gunners are leading the pursuit for Williams ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.

The report claims that the north London club are in a financially healthier position than Chelsea and Barcelona, which gives them the edge in the race. Williams currently earns €200,385 per week and Arsenal are reportedly ready to offer him £200,000 per week on a five-year deal. The Premier League giants are set to free up significant wage space in their squad in the summer as Kieran Tierney (£110,000 per week), Thomas Partey (£200,000 per week), and Jorginho (£110,000 per week) are all set to depart.

Both the Catalan club and the Blues need to tread more carefully. Barcelona have faced issues with registering some of their existing squad members due to La Liga's strict salary cap while the west Londoners are dealing with their Financial Fair Play concerns after spending heavily on player transfers.

The 22-year-old is currently in the Spain squad and was on target in the 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in the first leg of their Nations League quarter-final fixture. He will next feature La Roja on Sunday in the second instalment.