'Was the same with Thomas Partey': Edu could soon trigger release clause of player Arsenal adore - journalist
08/22/2024 11:30 AM
It has now been suggested that Arsenal could trigger a release clause after the signing of Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad is finalised.
As things stand, the Gunners are working on a deal to sign Merino and strengthen Mikel Arteta’s midfield department, with personal terms already agreed.
Now – however – one journalist has suggested that a winger could be targeted by Arsenal after Mikel Merino is signed…
Arsenal could trigger Nico Williams release clause
Charles Watts has now suggested that Arsenal could still sign Nico Williams before the transfer window closes on Friday 30th August.
The respected journalist told Eduardo Hagn: “Nobody ever told me that the interest in Nico Williams was over, he’s a player Arsenal absolutely love. He has a release clause that can be activated at any time, I haven't heard anything is imminent but it was the same with Thomas Partey.”
As you may recall, Arsenal triggered Partey’s £45m release clause just before the transfer window closed back in October 2020 – pinching the Ghana international from Atletico Madrid right at the last moment.
Williams is believed to have a £46m release clause written into his contract with Athletic Bilbao – a sum which seems like a bargain after the Spain international’s stunning displays at UEFA Euro 2024 this summer.
The 22-year-old scored two goals, including the opener against England in the final, and provided one assist in six appearances to ensure Spain won the trophy.
Would be bad news for Gabriel Martinelli
If Arsenal do actually trigger the Spain international’s release clause out of the blue like they did with Partey, it would surely leave Gabriel Martinelli sweating over his place in the starting XI.
The Brazil international endured a quiet 2023/24 campaign with just six goals in 35 Premier League appearances, and was once again fairly ineffective in the 2-0 win over Wolves on Saturday.
Therefore, if one of the best left wingers in Europe right now moves to the Emirates Stadium in a £46m deal, Martinelli may have to accept a place on the bench, unless he seriously impresses Arteta.
