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Nico Williams move to Arsenal doubtful

Spain winger Nico Williams has been linked with a summer move away from Athletic Club, with Premier League big-hitters Arsenal rivalling

Spain winger Nico Williams has been linked with a summer move away from Athletic Club, with Premier League big-hitters Arsenal rivalling Barcelona for his signature

Arsenal will need to make some sales if they’re to land Nico Williams this summer, it has been claimed.

Spain international Williams has been in high demand after starring at Euro 2024, where he scored in the victory over England in the final.

Barcelona are also reportedly interested in the Athletic Club winger, who has a release clause in the region of £50million… though this sum would need to be paid up front.

Arsenal have already confirmed their first summer signing, with David Raya completing a permanent move from Brentford. Williams’ international team-mate was on loan at Arsenal from Brentford last season, and has set the Gunners back £30million.

According to The Athletic, Arsenal need to sell in order to buy if they’re to add a wide player. They’re also keen on strengthening in other areas, with Italy and Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori high on their list.

One of the players who could make way is Emile Smith Rowe. Arsenal are reported to need to free up space as well as funds, and the academy graduate would tick both of those boxes.

The Telegraph report that Fulham have made the England international a top target. Marco Silva’s side have already seen one bid knocked back, but are expected to return with an improved offer for the 23-year-old.

Reiss Nelson’s departure could also allow the Gunners to move for Williams. Sporting director Edu may be tasked with extracting a fee for the 24-year-old winger, who is on the radar of West Ham United according to the Evening Standard.

Elsewhere, Aaron Ramsdale and Kieran Tierney could both leave before the end of the summer. While the injury sustained by Tierney at Euro 2024 could impact a deal, Ramsdale’s pursuit of regular first team football could prompt a summer switch amid Premier League interest.

Another player linked with an exit is Eddie Nketiah. The striker signed a new contract in 2022, but found minutes hard to come by in the second half of last season.

If Arsenal are unable to get a deal over the line for Williams, Barcelona won’t be the only interested party. Chelsea are also reported to be keen, though – unlike their rivals – the Blues would be unable to offer Champions League football.

Some of the Arsenal fringe players named could still be part of the squad as Mikel Arteta’s team begin their pre-season tour of the United States, and could even feature in friendlies across the Atlantic. The Gunners will face Bournemouth on July 24, with matches against Manchester United and Liverpool to follow.

 

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Transfers

€100 million Move: Arteta Worries As William Saliba Drops Transfer Hint

€100 million Move: Arteta Worries As William Saliba Drops Transfer Hint

William Saliba reportedly considers Real Madrid his “ultimate dream club”, with Arsenal valuing the 23-year-old French international at €100 million.

According to a report by Sacha Tavolieri on Sky Sport Switzerland, William Saliba is the subject of interest from Real Madrid.

The reigning La Liga champions have recently held talks with the Arsenal defensive mainstay’s representatives. Meanwhile, the French international considers Los Blancos as his “ultimate dream club”, with the North London club valuing him at €100 million.

William Saliba has established himself as one of the best defenders in the world since breaking into the first-team squad at Arsenal. The Frenchman did not immediately get the desired opportunities at the Emirates, with the North London club sending him out on three loan spells.

However, the 23-year-old has not looked back since establishing a foothold in the first-team squad at the Emirates. Saliba has turned out over 100 times thus far for Arsenal while chipping in with seven goals and two assists.

Meanwhile, the French international defender’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs across Europe. Widespread reports have heavily linked Real Madrid with the former US Saint-Etienne centre-back, with the two parties recently holding tentative talks. Meanwhile, Arsenal will demand around €100 million to entertain parting ways with him.

Real Madrid’s interest in William Saliba is understandable. The reigning La Liga champions are desperately scouring the market for a centre-back heading into the summer transfer window after spending two seasons without most out-and-out central defenders. The crisis has deepened this term, with Antonio Rudiger, Eder Militao, and David Alaba currently on the sidelines.

In addition, Carlo Ancelotti does not trust Jesus Vallejo, who will likely depart from the Santiago Bernabeu after the 2024/25 season ends. So, Real Madrid must sign a centre-back in the summer transfer window, with Saliba emerging as a viable target. However, Arsenal’s asking price of around €100 million might pose a problem, considering the Merengues need reinforcement in several other departments.

Meanwhile, the French international views Real Madrid as his “ultimate dream club”, although he might not push for a departure from the Emirates anytime soon. In addition, widespread reports have claimed that Arsenal will block Real Madrid and other suitors from pursuing the 23-year-old Frenchman. So, a summer deal might not see the light of day.

 

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Transfers

Victor Osimhen Speaks On Botched Manchester United’s Deal

Victor Osimhen Speaks On Botched Manchester United's Deal

Galatasaray loan striker, Victor Osimhen has opened up through his camp on rumored Manchester United move after a deal could not happen in the January transfer window.

Osimhen has been rumoured for a move to English Premier League side, but the Napoli striker who is currently on loan at Galatasaray believe he has more potential to give any club than moving from a cut pay.

According to a source close to the player, he said: “At his level, he can’t be moving to Manchester United and be earning less, he will rather go to Saudi Arabia and become a world highest earning player. No big deal about Manchester United and they need his image and characters to boost their profile at this moment,” a source told ThePapers.ng

“Victor is not in desperate move and he will never move to any club for pay cut, he will rather move to Saudi Arabia and earn over a state budget in Nigeria.”

“At the moment he’s very happy and will continue to be playing happily. You will mention Osimhen before Erling Haaland and others at the moment, so why will he move to take pay cut.”

Asking if Napoli would lower how price tag, he said: “Napoli will lose if they insist, let’s wait and see.” He concluded.

 

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Premier League

Amorim defends January Transfer Risks at Man United

£40m Striker: Man Utd, Liverpool In Transfer ‘Tug Of War’

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has admitted it was his decision to “take the risk” of not securing additional signings in the January transfer window, despite squad concerns.

The Red Devils completed only two signings: left-back Patrick Dorgu from Lecce and centre-back Ayden Heaven from Arsenal.

However, the loan exits of Marcus Rashford to Aston Villa and Antony to Real Betis left United without reinforcement in attack.

“We are taking a risk, but we want a different thing in the team, different profiles. It was my decision to do that,” Amorim explained.

He emphasized the club’s cautious approach: “Everybody here does not want to make the same mistakes of the past. In the summer we will see, but we are being really careful with transfers because we did some mistakes in the past.”

United face Leicester City in the FA Cup fourth round on Friday, where Dorgu and Heaven could debut.

Acknowledging the pressure of results, Amorim admitted, “This is a sport of results, and we are in a difficult situation… but I have a clear idea of what I want to do and I take these risks because in the end, it’s going to pay off.”

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