Arsenal 'set to smash player's release clause' to get deal for world-class forward done

Arsenal are reportedly 'set to pay' a player’s release clause in a transfer that would shock the Premier League.

With the January transfer deadline edging ever closer, fans across the country will be keeping an eye on their team’s dealings in the final hours of the window.

Arteta’s side are yet to sign a player in the winter window and after their 5-1 victory against Manchester City on Sunday, the Gunners boss will no doubt be feeling good about the options he has available.

Arsenal have been linked with a potential move for Bayern Munich winger Mathys Tel as well as Spurs, Chelsea and Manchester United who have all shown ‘interest’ in the player.

However, on Sunday it appeared that United had won the race for his signature according to reports from Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg.

But, he later revealed that the deal had fallen through.

“There is still some time left,” he wrote on X. “Arsenal are also in talks with Bayern.

"The Bundesliga side still want to sell him or let him go with an obligation to buy, but it continues to depend on the right offer.

“There should be no panic sale, which is why Bayern have not ruled out the possibility of him staying. More talks with clubs are scheduled in the next 1–3 hours.”

But it is not Tel whose release clause could be smashed.

According to Football Transfers, Athletic Club and Spain winger Nico Williams “tops Arteta’s shortlist” for the end of the season.

Nico Williams has been linked with Arsenal (Credit:Getty)

The report claims that Arsenal tried to sign Williams, 22, in the winter window after they showed “a willingness to match the player's release clause” but were unable to do a deal - although the Spain international is “ready to accept the Gunners’ offer in the summer".

The Athletic previously reported that Williams' release clause is around €60m (£49m).

Williams burst onto the scene during Spain's Euro 2024 winning campaign last summer but has not replicated his performances in the tournament for Athletic in La Liga.

The 22-year-old has registered just one goal and three assists for the club this season. The forward's current contract is set to run until June 2027.