Arsenal offered fresh hope in chase for £48m star after shock transfer twist

Long-term Arsenal target Nico Williams could be back on the market with reports in Spain claiming that the Athletic Club star's proposed transfer to Barcelona has stalled over demands made by the player's representatives.

The Gunners have been courting Williams, 22, since last summer and were expected to step up their interest ahead of the 2025-26 campaign, with the capture of a new left-sided forward one of the club's top priorities in the summer transfer window.

Unfortunately for Arsenal, all the noise surrounding Williams in recent weeks has suggested a move to the Nou Camp is on the cards.

But it has now emerged that said switch is in doubt despite the fact that Williams and Barca have verbally agreed a six-year deal.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona officials are 'furious' with demands from Williams' agent over registration guarantees.

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The club have been plagued by financial issues in recent years and after struggling to successfully register new signings such as Dani Olmo and Pau Victor with La Liga in the past, Williams' camp are looking for guarantees.

It's noted that despite guarantees from Barcelona that there will be no issues registering Williams, that is not enough for the Spain star.

While it remains to be seen if this tension will prohibit a transfer from actually happening, it will give Williams' other suitors, namely Arsenal and Bayern Munich, food for thought at a time where they are stepping up their pursuit of other targets.

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In Arsenal's case, they have now set their sights on Rodrygo; the Real Madrid superstar would likely cost significantly more than the €56million (£48m) it would take to trigger Williams' release clause, though the Euro 2024 winner would also demand a huge salary.

Eberechi Eze has also been linked with Arsenal and talks with the player's representatives have also taken place over a potential move. There have even been suggestions that Eze could be pursued as well as a left winger and a quality No.9.

On the striker front, it's been claimed that Arsenal are nowin advanced talks with Sporting Lisbon over a deal for Viktor Gyokeres. The Swede and Arsenal are said to have already agreed terms on a five-year deal with Gyokeres now seemingly the club's top target.

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