Arsenal have offered a lucrative wage package to tempt Nico Williams, who remains keen to join Barcelona with the saga set to be dragged.

According to Sport via Sport Witness, Arsenal are pushing hard to sign Nico Williams by offering the winger a lucrative contract. The Gunners are intent on bringing in a high-profile left-winger but find themselves competing with Barcelona in the race for the Athletic Club star for a second summer running.

Arsenal were interested in Nico Williams last summer alongside Chelsea, but neither of those London giants attempted to trigger his €62 million release clause. It wasn’t an issue then neither is it now, as once again, the Gunners are trailing Barcelona in the hunt for the 22-year-old Spanish international.

Williams’ agent recently held a meeting with Barcelona director Deco, with wider suggestions stating that the winger is eager to join the Catalans and is open to taking a pay cut to fit into their structure. The issue for Barcelona will come in the form of triggering the €62 million release clause, something Arsenal have indicated they were willing to pay.

Arsenal are the leading club from England in the race for Williams, as Mikel Arteta wants to add a new left-sided attacker to his squad. There are links to Rodrygo, but again, there are big challenges ahead in pursuit of the Brazilian, who could potentially choose to continue with Real Madrid under new manager Xabi Alonso.

As for Williams, there are plenty of complications, as the winger is also open to signing a new deal with Athletic Club. However, his priority would be to join Barcelona, who are instead looking at Luis Diaz as their priority option having seen an approach rebuffed by Liverpool.

Arsenal to offer lucrative wages

Arsenal are aware of Williams’ preference to join Barcelona, yet, they have reportedly made the player a lucrative offer. The report claims the Gunners have offered Williams a €9 million per year net salary offer, that is seen beyond what Barcelona or Athletic Club can afford at the moment.

On the salary part, it could be a fantastic move for the player, although his preference to join Barcelona might drag a decision from the Spaniard. From the look of things, this transfer saga involving the 22-year-old Barcelona attacking target has the hallmarks to drag until the latter parts of the window, which may not end up suiting any of the parties involved, particularly Arsenal.