TNT Sports
Arsenal target Blackburn Rovers 'wonderkid' Harvey Higgins as Athletic Club stay firm on Nico Williams fee - Paper Round
By
Updated 06/04/2025 at 11:41 GMT+1
React to this story
Arsenal are looking to bring in Blackburn Rovers striker Harvey Higgins before the end of the current season, while Athletic Club are in no mood to compromise over the fee for their forward Nico Williams. Elsewhere, Barcelona could struggle to register new players in the summer transfer window, and Manchester United are yet to make a final decision on which striker to target.
Ancelotti laments 'complicated season' for penalty-takers amid latest Vinicius miss
Video credit: SNTV
Arsenal target Higgins
Arsenal are interested in Blackburn Rovers striker Harvey Higgins, with the 16-year-old a target before the end of the season.
The Sun reports that he could cost around ÂŁ1.5 million in compensation, and he has already impressed for England youth sides.
The paper writes: "Arsenal are ready to raid Blackburn for England youth striker Harvey Higgins.
"The Gunners have their sights on the 16-year-old hotshot - and hope to take him in the next few weeks.
"Rovers will only get compensation for their latest discovery, although that could come in at ÂŁ1.5 million.
"Higgins is already playing for the Under-18s but his progress at England youth level has alerted Arsenal."
Athletic will not negotiate over Williams fee
Athletic Club are looking to sign Nico Williams to fresh terms as they look to ward off interest from Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Arsenal.
The current release clause for the 22-year-old stands at ÂŁ48.5 million, and the Basques will accept nothing less than an up-front payment in full.
The Mirror explains: "Athletic Club are keen to extend Nico Williams' contract in a bid to fend off mounting interest from Arsenal, Barcelona and Bayern Munich. Jon Uriarte, president of the Basque outfit, hopes to keep the Euro 2024 winner beyond the summer transfer window but knows that could prove difficult given Williams is now considered one of Europe's hottest commodities.
"Arsenal view Williams as their top wide target and newly appointed sporting director Andrea Berta is already understood to have held talks with the player's agent Felix Tainta ahead of a potential swoop. But the sticking point for Arsenal and other interested clubs is both Williams' sizeable release clause and the lucrative salary package he would desire in order to leave his boyhood club.
"The 22-year-old's release clause is set at £48.5 million (€58m) plus taxes which would take the total package to around £51m (€60m) and the clear message being relayed from Athletic Club is the clause must be met up-front in full, not in staggered instalments."
Barca may face further transfer struggles
The Athletic believes that Dani Olmo and Pau Victor’s futures at Barcelona are secure, as are those of Ronald Araujo, Pedri, Gavi, and Inigo Martinez after their financial situation improved.
However, they may yet find summer another challenging period to sign players as they are again above their salary limit.
The website states: "Araujo, Pedri, Gavi, Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez all signed new deals, four of them long-term contracts. These were checked and approved by La Liga, which registered each of those players.
"Barca returned to operating above their salary limit after [audit company] Crowe’s report did not include the profit from the VIP seats deal, but this will not affect the player contracts that have already been signed. La Liga sources confirmed that, since those extensions were agreed when Barca could afford them and La Liga validated them, they will remain registered until their end dates.
"So Barca have not just secured Olmo and Victor’s future at the club, but those of several other key players - which would not have been possible in usual circumstances.
"This does not mean Barcelona are free of financial restrictions with future deals. This has been a fix - and a big one - for now. But the Catalan club are still operating above their La Liga salary limit and can expect difficulties in registering any new signing or contract renewal from now on."
Man Utd yet to decide on primary striking target
Manchester United are not yet certain of their No. 1 priority when they look to sign a striker in the summer.
The Express reports that Victor Osimhen, Hugo Ekitike, Liam Delap, Lorenzo Lucca and Jean-Philippe Mateta could all be in the frame.
The paper writes: "Several big names, including the likes of Victor Osimhen and Hugo Ekitike, are reportedly on United's radar. Some cheaper options might include Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap and Udinese marksman Lorenzo Lucca.
"United have also been tentatively linked with a move for Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta, who could be on the move at the end of the season.Â
"Several enquiries have reportedly been made but The Eagles are yet to receive any formal offers.
"Any move is likely to be expensive, given his importance to Palace and the fact he is currently at the peak of his powers."
- - -
Watch the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League on TNT Sports and discovery+
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement