Lamine Yamal always thought he would share a team with him, but his plans are going in another direction, as Nico Williams will not continue next season at Athletic Club. Although much has been said about his possible arrival at Barça, everything seems to indicate that his future is in England. More specifically, we are talking about Arsenal, where Mikel Arteta is preparing a great proposal to take him next summer.
Recently, The Standard has revealed that Arsenal has initiated direct contacts with Nico Williams to discuss his signing. It is a personal request from Mikel Arteta, who dreams of adding him to his attack, offering him a starting position on the left wing. The Gunner team is willing to pay his release clause, which, including various taxes, reaches 60 million.
Not only that, but Arsenal has also prepared a tempting contract to convince Nico Williams. The plan is clear: to sign him for the next five seasons, starting with a base salary of 10 million euros net, which would increase over the years. Figures that Barça can't even come close to, making it really difficult for him to join his friend Lamine Yamal.
Lamine Yamal conveys the only condition Nico Williams has set for Barça
Nico Williams currently earns 12 million euros (gross) per season and is not willing to lower that figure. Barça is studying how to assume that cost, as they must work on adjusting their wage bill and have to do the math. Despite the economic difficulties, the signing is still underway, although it could fall through due to Mikel Arteta's recent interest.
The arrival of Nico Williams would mean a quality leap for the attack. His speed and dribbling make him a standout player. Barça wants to surround its young talents with profiles that fit the system and Nico fits perfectly into that play style.
Lamine Yamal is one of the great supporters of Nico Williams in the Barça squad. He uses the last Euro Cup with Spain as an example to push forward his desired signing. Everything was set last summer, but it didn't happen due to the difficulties the Barça team faced in registering their new signings.
Being back in the 1:1 rule, this could change, although Barcelona will have to hurry. Mikel Arteta is taking advantage of the current uncertainty to go all out for Lamine Yamal's great friend.