Tottenham Enter Race for Nico Williams as North London Rivals Battle for Athletic Bilbao Winger
Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly made an offer for Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams, entering a transfer battle with north London rivals Arsenal and fellow Premier League side Chelsea.
Arsenal have long been linked with the Spain international, with reports over the past year suggesting the Gunners view him as a priority signing for the left-wing position. Mikel Arteta is keen to strengthen his attacking options by adding competition for Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, making Williams a key target. Some reports even claim that the 22-year-old winger has already made up his mind about a move to the Emirates.
Earlier this week, speculation intensified when it was reported that Williams had ‘confessed’ his desire to join Arsenal in the summer. However, Chelsea quickly entered the fray, with reports on Friday suggesting the Blues have put forward a more lucrative proposal than Arsenal’s.
A report from Spain revealed that Chelsea’s offer is particularly attractive, as they are willing to pay Williams a staggering €20 million per year and offer him a five-year contract until 2030. New Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is reportedly eager to bring the Spanish winger to Stamford Bridge and considers him a top target.
Tottenham’s Late Entry Into the Race
Now, Tottenham have thrown their hat into the ring, making an offer for Williams as they look to bolster their attacking options under Ange Postecoglou. Reports from Spain indicate that all three Premier League clubs have presented formal proposals to the player, pulling him further away from a potential move to Barcelona.
Barcelona had previously been seen as a strong contender for Williams, but their ongoing financial struggles have made it increasingly difficult for them to match the offers from England. As a result, the young winger is now said to be leaning toward joining a team that competes at the highest level in the Premier League and Champions League, with Arsenal currently seen as the most attractive option.
Chelsea, on the other hand, have no financial constraints in this pursuit and could outbid both Arsenal and Spurs if the race for Williams escalates into a bidding war. Meanwhile, Tottenham view the Spaniard as a vital addition to their attacking setup, with Postecoglou keen on bringing in a dynamic winger to complement his high-intensity system.
Bilbao’s Stance: €60 Million or Nothing
Despite the growing interest from England, Athletic Bilbao are holding firm on their stance. The Basque club has no intention of selling Williams for anything less than his release clause, which stands at €60 million. They have made it clear that they will only sanction a sale if a club triggers the clause with a single payment.
Tottenham Also Pushing for Andreas Christensen
In addition to their pursuit of Williams, Tottenham are also actively working on another La Liga signing. Reports from Spain suggest that Spurs have increased their bid to €15 million for Barcelona defender Andreas Christensen. The Danish centre-back, who has fallen down the pecking order under new Barcelona manager Hansi Flick, is being targeted by multiple Premier League clubs, including Manchester United.
With Barcelona open to offloading players due to financial constraints, Tottenham are hoping to take advantage of the situation and bring Christensen back to the Premier League this summer.
As the transfer window heats up, it remains to be seen whether Spurs can successfully land either Williams or Christensen. With Arsenal and Chelsea pushing hard for the Bilbao winger and Barcelona weighing their options regarding Christensen, Tottenham’s ability to compete financially and present a compelling sporting project will be crucial in determining the outcome of both transfer pursuits.
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