Arsenal could trigger Nico Williams’ departure from Athletic Club by launching a €50 million move for Barcelona star Raphinha, according to a report from Spain.
Nico Williams’ situation remains complicated. After starring for Spain at Euro 2024, the winger has been subject to interest from Arsenal, Chelsea, PSG and Barca.
Reports in the 22-year-old’s homeland indicate that he wants to remain in LaLiga, and with Real Madrid’s squad packed with left wingers, that leaves the Blaugrana as the only viable option.
Barcelona, though, cannot afford to buy Nico Williams, despite the bullish words from president Joan Laporta indicating otherwise.
The latest indications from Spain are that the deal has stalled because of a promise Nico Williams has made to his brother. Nevertheless, if Barca were to come into funds by way of at least one big sale, the situation may be unblocked.
According to TodoFichajes, this move could come in the form of Raphinha to Arsenal, with the Emirates side said to have made a €50 million approach for the former Leeds winger.
Mikel Arteta’s side are seeking another wide attacker, hence their interest in Nico Williams. The manager typically targets players who have Premier League experience, and to that end Raphinha checks a major box for the Gunners. He scored 17 and created 12 with Leeds in 65 Premier League outings.
Barcelona’s Raphinha problem
However, Raphinha is 27 years old, which is not the typical age profile of a player Arsenal would move for. Leandro Trossard is the only recent addition to the Gunners squad around this age, and the Belgian arrived at half the price of Raphinha.
The Brazil international, meanwhile, is one of the players that Barcelona are eager to offload.
He commands one of their highest salaries and is one of the players Barca believe can fetch a significant fee in the transfer market. For this reason, if he were to depart, it could potentially free up sufficient funds to land Nico Williams, who is a player they are obsessed by signing.
The problem? Raphinha is said to have no intention of leaving Camp Nou, which ironically pushes Nico Williams closer to Arsenal.
