Arsenal and Chelsea face a huge obstacle to sign Spain hero Nico Williams..
Athletic Bilbao will fight hard to keep their star winger, who has also been mentioned in connection with Barcelona and Liverpool.
But transfer guru Fabrizio Romano appears to believe Williams’ £43million release clause might not be the main problem for his admirers.
Romano reckons Chelsea “don’t want to pay crazy money in terms of salary commission, and obviously the release clause in one solution. So this is one topic.
“Arsenal still appreciate Nico Williams, but they also don’t want to pay in that kind of structure.
“They wanted something different in terms of money, but the appreciation of Arsenal and especially of Mikel Arteta for Nico Williams is real.
“Liverpool also like the player, but Liverpool never started any concrete contact to advance so far.”
Newly-promoted Southampton reportedly could move for Arsenal keeper Aaron Ramsdale.
The England back-up stopper, who never played at Euro 2024, will hope for more regular first-team football after losing his place to David Raya last season.
It’s thought the Gunners would be happy to keep the 26-year-old but are sympathetic to his situation.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has "real appreciation" for Nico Williams fan - as Prem clubs are increasingly linked with the Spain hero.
But Athletic Bilbao will fight hard to keep their star winger, who has also been mentioned in connection with Barcelona and Liverpool.
But transfer guru Fabrizio Romano appears to believe Williams' £43million release clause might not be the main problem for his admirers.
Romano reckons Chelsea "don't want to pay crazy money in terms of salary commission, and obviously the release clause in one solution. So this is one topic.
“Arsenal still appreciate Nico Williams, but they also don't want to pay in that kind of structure.
"They wanted something different in terms of money, but the appreciation of Arsenal and especially of Mikel Arteta for Nico Williams is real.
“Liverpool also like the player, but Liverpool never started any concrete contact to advance so far.”
Arsenal-linked Mikel Merino has reportedly indicated he's willing to consider a Premier League return.
The ex-Newcastle ace came off the bench in Spain's 2-1 Euro 2024 final win over England.
The 28-year-old, capped 28 times, is out of contract next season.
Club and country team-mate Martin Zubimendi, who played the second half in Berlin last night, has of course long also been rated a prime Gunners' target.
Emile Smith Rowe's future remains uncertain after bids from two Premier League rivals were reportedly rejected.
Sky Sports say the Gunners have rejected approaches from London opponents Fulham and Crystal Palace
The three-cap England midfielder, 23, is thought to be weighing up his options - as he faces another big-part season at the Emirates unless he moves on.
Sky suggest Fulham and Palace are now deciding whether to come back in with improved offers.