Bayern Munich Lead Race for Nico Williams as Arsenal and Chelsea Back Off Over Wage Demands

Bayern Munich are advancing on a deal to sign Spanish winger Nico Williams, with reports suggesting they’re ready to trigger his €60 million release clause — a move that could finally put an end to Arsenal and Chelsea’s long-running pursuit.

Williams has been on the radar of several top clubs for a while now. He turned down a move to Barcelona last summer. Now, with Blaugrana not interested in signing the 22-year-old anymore, links with Arsenal have become even more prominent. Chelsea were also firmly in the mix, hoping to add more attacking flair to their side. But now it looks like Bayern are in the driver’s seat. According to Sky Sport Germany, the Bundesliga heavyweights have already held two face-to-face meetings with Williams’ representatives, signaling just how serious they are about landing the 22-year-old from Athletic Club. 

Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano confirmed the Bavarians are pushing hard. “Bayern are now going strong to try to sign Nico Williams,” Romano shared. “The release clause is not a problem for Bayern. It’s about Nico’s demands.” And that’s where things get complicated. 

Williams reportedly wants a hefty salary — in the region of €20 million a year — which would put him among the top earners at Bayern. It’s this financial aspect that has made the deal tricky, even for a club of Bayern’s stature. Still, the German giants are open to the idea, especially after missing out on Florian Wirtz to Liverpool and losing Leroy Sane on a free transfer to Galatasaray. 

Bayern’s sporting director Max Eberl recently said the club is focused on “finding another outstanding player,” and Williams is at the top of their wish list. But there’s still no agreement in place, and Bayern aren’t the only ones trying to keep Williams. Athletic Club aren’t giving up easily and are reportedly ready to offer him a lucrative new deal in an attempt to convince him to stay in Bilbao. As of now, Williams is said to be “very open” to the idea of moving to Munich, but he hasn’t made a final decision yet. His future hangs in the balance — does he stay loyal to the club where he’s developed into one of La Liga’s most exciting players, or does he take the next step and join a European heavyweight? 

Having said that, it has become increasingly clear that a move to the Premier League for Nico Williams seems unlikely. Arsenal and Chelsea appear to be stepping away from the table. Both clubs admire the player but feel the deal is too expensive to justify — especially with his wage demands factored in. Just a year ago, Williams was reportedly close to joining Barcelona. Now, Bayern seems like the most likely destination. But the big question remains — is Nico Williams ready to live up to the high expectations that come with such a move, and does he have the consistency to warrant the pay packet he's asking for? 

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