David Ornstein claims attacker ‘really liked’ by Arteta would cost almost £50.3m for Arsenal to sign

Highly-regarded journalist David Ornstein has revealed the price that Arsenal would need to pay for one of Mikel Arteta’s prime targets in the transfer market.
With many calling for Arteta to add a new forward to his frontline, Nico Williams is one of several players who have been rumoured to be on the Gunners’ wishlist.
According to The Athletic’s journalist David Ornstein, the Spain international is very much admired by Arsenal, but Williams has a release clause of nearly £50.3m, which could prove to be too expensive for his suitors.
“Mikel Arteta loves Nico Williams. It’s a long-term admiration. He would love to have signed him in the past and he would really like to sign him in this January transfer window,” Ornstein said in The Athletic Podcast
“However, we would all like things in life we can’t have and there is a good chance that he can’t have Nico Williams because of the finances involved.
“He has a release clause that is active that is just shy of €60m [£50.3m], but it has to be paid in one go which is horrendous for any club who wants him. He also earns a very good salary in Bilbao which would need to rise if he’s going to move to the Premier League.”
OPINION
Without being an accountant at Arsenal, it is still a bit surprising that a fee in the region of £50m can be deemed as too much to pay in today’s market, even if a one-time payment is required.
Also, in terms of value for money, William’s price tag is still considerably less than the £65m that was paid for Kai Havertz 18 months ago.
If Arsenal fail to sign Nico Williams, I doubt it should/would be because of the money, because, even with PSR rules, his release clause is below the average price of most decent players in the Premier League.
My concerns about Williams are rather about where he would fit, since his better performances on the left flank for Spain and Bilbao makes him more of a candidate to replace Martinelli/Trossard rather than the right-sided Saka.
Nonetheless, the 22-year-old is a must-have talent, and regardless of which position he prefers, his versatility and fine potential would make him a useful addition to the squad.
Nwaneri is Sakas real cover, but he is still learning and needs time to grow, plus he’s injured.
Check out Raphinha as a short term solution that ticks all the boxes, what do you think?
Barcelona’s Raphinha if you remember was Artetas long term target to cover Saka. The two footed Brazilian can play either wing and has premier experience. Barcelona is cash strapped and looking to sell and at 28 years old, he may be a viable option to cover Saka and nurture Nwaneri over the next two years. His price would be more affordable being 28 years old and he is still producing the goods with 11 goals and 6 assists from 19 games so far this season. Maybe an affordable package 6 monthly pay off deal could happen? He would improve Arsenal as he is on par with Sakas ability and he would not upset the other wingers including Nwaneri because of his age. He could provide to be a hit over the next two years at least and scores goals and is proven in Spain and England etc.
Let the coach act,rumours will hinder us.Let these rumours come true. What is it,others are busy on the transfer even with three squads already. What is the problem with the gunners,,are you being paid to let the trophy go. If impossible then call me to cover up Bukayo,I think I’m a better player.
We aren’t considering Williams as a replacement for Saka . What weird thinking is that!!
It’s the left or centre that needs upgrading and Williams could do that
A onetime payment is the stumbling block however he is a player any coach will want to have in their team.if arsenal can get him why not.He will terorize most defences in the premier league.He is the gig shaw puzzle to make arsenal a complete team to compete for long elusive trophy