With the summer transfer window looming, the big question is whether Arsenal can navigate this obstacle—or if they’ll have to set their sights on other options…
Arsenal’s pursuit of **Athletic Bilbao
winger Nico Williams** looks set to end
in disappointment—**and Manchester
City could be to blame**. While the
Gunners have been working behind the
scenes to secure the highly-rated Spanish
international, a key contract detail
involving a City star could ultimately
derail their hopes.
Arsenal’s Longstanding Interest in Nico Williams
Williams, 21, has been on Arsenal’s radar
for months. With blistering pace, elite
dribbling ability, and creativity on the
wing, he fits perfectly into Mikel Arteta’s
system. The Gunners are keen to add
another dynamic attacker to their squad,
especially with their sights set on
**Premier League and Champions
League success**.
However, despite Arsenal’s strong
interest and willingness to meet his
reported **€50 million release clause**
, an unexpected complication has
emerged—**Manchester City’s influence
on the deal**.
Man City’s Contract Clause That Could Change Everything
According to reports, **Manchester City
hold a crucial clause related to another
Athletic Bilbao player—winger Alex
Berenguer**. The Spaniard, who has
been linked with a move to the Premier
League, has a clause in his contract that
gives City a **first-refusal option** if
Bilbao decide to sell.
Why does this matter for Arsenal’s chase
of Nico Williams? Because **Bilbao are
unlikely to let both Williams and
Berenguer leave in the same window**.
If Manchester City activate their option
on Berenguer or make a move for him,
Bilbao would be far more inclined to
**keep hold of Williams**, meaning
Arsenal could be left empty-handed.
Manchester City’s Tactical Advantage
It’s no secret that **Pep Guardiola is a
huge admirer of Nico Williams**, and
City have been monitoring his progress
closely. If Arsenal were to activate
Williams’ release clause, City could
respond by securing Berenguer—either
to strengthen their squad or **as a
strategic move to disrupt Arsenal’s
plans**.
Guardiola and Arteta have often found
themselves battling over transfer targets,
and this could be the latest chapter in
their competitive rivalry. City’s superior
financial muscle and ability to pull
strings in the transfer market put them
in a **position of power**, leaving
Arsenal in a difficult spot.
What This Means for Arsenal’s Transfer Plans
With Williams possibly slipping out of
their grasp, Arsenal may have to **look
elsewhere** for attacking
reinforcements. Other options that have
been linked include:
– **Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Napoli)** –
The Georgian winger is a rising star but
would come with a **hefty price tag**.
– **Pedro Neto (Wolves)** – A Premier
League-proven winger, though **injury
concerns** remain an issue.
– **Moussa Diaby (Aston Villa)** – Fast,
direct, and dangerous, but **Villa would
demand a huge fee**.
Mikel Arteta is still determined to add
firepower, but missing out on **a young,
explosive talent like Nico Williams**
would be a major setback.
Arsenal Fans React to the Setback
As the news spread that Manchester
City’s contractual influence could block
the deal, Arsenal fans were quick to
express their frustration.
One supporter wrote:
*”Every time we go for a top player, City
find a way to ruin it. This is getting
ridiculous!”*
Another added:
*”If we lose out on Williams because of
some hidden City clause, I’ll be fuming.
We need to move fast and sign an elite
winger.”*
What Happens Next?
The situation remains fluid, and Arsenal
haven’t given up hope yet. However,
with **Manchester City lurking in the
background**, it’s clear that the deal is
far from straightforward.
As the summer transfer window
approaches, all eyes will be on whether
Arsenal can **find a way around this
roadblock**—or if they’ll be forced to
move on to alternative targets.
