Athletic Bilbao forward and Arsenal target Nico Williams has now told Bayern Munich he is open to joining them this summer, according to Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg.
The Gunners have the Spain international on their radar, but the finances to get a deal done have proven to be a stumbling block, and the Bundesliga club have moved ahead of them, with talks ongoing between both parties.
William has a release of around €65 million, which Arsenal are willing to activate, but he wants around €20m per year (around €385,000 per week) as his salary, and it appears they have moved on to other targets as a result.
The 22-year-old has the right to demand wages he believes fit his status as a top winger, but the North London club cannot afford to meet his demands given that their highest earner does not get up to that.
Kai Havertz currently takes home the most money at Arsenal, earning €330,000 (£280,000) per week, and while the likes of Gabriel Magalhaes and Bukayo Saka are set for improved deals, they are unlikely to get a package worth more than €350,000 weekly.
Williams ended the season with 11 goals and seven assists in 45 games after notching eight goals and 18 assists in 37 games in 2023-24, and while many would argue he is an upgrade on both Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard on the left of the Arsenal attack, he is not worth what he is demanding from suitors.
The Gunners have also missed out on Bayern Munich attacker Leroy Sane despite senior figures at the club holding talks with him, with the Germany international now set to join Galatasaray.
However, they will not be short of quality options to recruit in the position as long as they are willing to pay what it takes to get a deal done, but they will not do business for a reasonable financial package.
