Liverpool and Arsenal tracking forward with £78 million release clause as LaLiga club faces risk of financial trouble: Reports

Liverpool and Arsenal are reportedly battling to sign Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao. The Premier League side are looking to take advantage of the Spanish side's financial situation and lure the winger to England.

According to a report in El Nacional, Athletic Bilbao are in a tough financial situation and the wages offered to Williams on his new deal have become an issue for the club. They are open to letting him leave the club in 2026, just months after he rejected a move to Barcelona and signed a long-term deal at San Mames.

Arsenal are keen on signing a left-winger and have been linked with Williams in the past. The Gunners still rate him highly and are reportedly willing to pay the £78 million release clause to sign the Spaniard.

Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard have not impressed on the left wing, while Eberechi Eze has failed to do much since joining from Crystal Palace. Mikel Arteta wants to bring in a new attacker, and Williams fits the bill.

Liverpool are in a similar situation, and Arne Slot has Cody Gakpo as his only senior left-wing option. Rio Ngumoha has impressed when he has come off the bench, but the Reds are unwilling to pressure him into leading their attack.

Williams has also played on the right wing, making him a good backup for Mohamed Salah as well. The Reds splashed the cash in the summer, but are reportedly open to going big once again for the right players.

Nico Williams rejected a move away from Athletic Bilbao in the summer and signed a 10-year deal at the club. He has scored three goals and assisted as many times this season.

Arsenal target is dream Liverpool target for Jamie Carragher

Jamie Carragher spoke about Nico Williams earlier this season, admitting that the Arsenal target was his dream Liverpool signing. He said that the 10-year contract was a massive deal, but he still hopes to see the winger at Anfield, playing for his former club.

"Yes. I would take the one everyone wants to take. Nico [Williams] is a fantastic player. He scored the first goal against England in the Euro final. Spain deserved to win. I know he is your player and he has renewed for 10 years, but I would like to see him in a Liverpool shirt. I know it is not going to happen, but I would like to dream about it."

Arsenal and Liverpool were also linked with the winger in the summer, when he penned the new deal at Athletic Bilbao.