Exclusive: Arsenal makes bold move by offering ‘contract of a lifetime’ to Euro 2024 winner Nico Williams and Mikel Merino, leaving Barcelona in shock…

Arsenal have made a significant move by offering a lucrative contract to Euro 2024 winner Nico Williams and Mikel Merino, leaving Barcelona disappointed.

Nico Williams and Mikel Merino receive game-changing contract proposal from Arsenal, dealing a blow to Barcelona.

Arsenal has surged ahead of Barcelona in the competition to secure the signings of Nico Williams and Mikel Merino.

The club is reportedly preparing to approach the Euro 2024 star’s representatives with a lucrative contract offer in hopes of luring him to Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners are seeking to make further additions to their squad this summer in order to improve upon their consecutive runner-up finishes in the Premier League under Mikel Arteta.

After pushing Manchester City to the limit last season, Arsenal is now aiming to bolster their squad and continue the significant progress they have achieved over the past two seasons.

Barcelona’s pursuit of Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams has hit a setback following his standout performances for Spain during EURO 2024.

Williams played a pivotal role in Spain’s triumph this summer, scoring the opening goal in their 2-1 victory over England in the final at Berlin’s Olympiastadion.

Attention has now shifted to his club future, with several clubs, including Chelsea, Liverpool, and Barcelona, expressing interest in securing his signature alongside Arsenal this summer.

As per Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona has taken the lead in negotiations and is set to begin talks with Williams’ representatives this week.

New manager Hansi Flick has approved the 22-year-old as a top target for the club this summer.

Williams, who had an impressive season with Athletic Bilbao, has three years left on his contract and a £49million release clause.

Meanwhile, Arsenal’s focus has shifted to signing an elite midfield partner for Rice, following the expected confirmation of Ajax keeper Tommy Setford’s signing.

This need for midfield reinforcements comes after the departure of Mohamed Elneny and the impending move of Albert Sambi Lokonga to Sevilla.

Arsenal is looking to add high-quality forward players to their roster this summer, and Williams would be a great fit.

However, he is currently earning a high salary at Bilbao, and the club is not under any pressure to offload any of their players.

Athletic president Jon Uriarte recently criticized the Spanish FA and reaffirmed their position that they are determined to retain Williams at the club.

He stated: “Nico, a player who is deeply committed to Athletic Club, has been bombarded with questions about his future in an excessive and uncontrolled manner, despite being focused on playing in the European Championship with the Spanish Football Federation, which has failed to protect him.

“Athletic Club has the financial, social, and sporting capabilities to retain players of the caliber of those mentioned, including Nico Williams, within its structure.”