Arsenal's transfer interest in Athletic Bilbao and Spain star Nico Williams remains in the January transfer window but there are two stumbling blocks in a deal being completed this month.

Williams was linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium in the summer after helping Spain win Euro 2024. His performances for Bilbao has made him one of the most exciting players in his position in world football.

The Gunners are desperate for reinforcements in attack following the long-term injury to Bukayo Saka. The forward is expected to be out until March with a hamstring injury with Raheem Sterling and Ethan Nwaneri suffering their own problems.

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Mikel Arteta is expected to be keen on bolstering his forward line this month but any possible January deal remains tough to complete. The Athletic have claimed that Arsenal continue to admire Williams with Liverpool and Chelsea also keeping tabs.

The report adds that the Gunners would like to bring Williams to the Premier League this month but the finances involved could make a deal difficult. Within his contract at Bilbao, the 22-year-old has a €60million (£49.8m) release clause in his contract and the La Liga side are expected to demand that in full.

Williams' reported £165,000-per-week wages are also a problem for Arsenal to contend with mid-season. As one of the better players available, the Spain international is thought to want a sizable increase to his salary to move to the Premier League.

The numbers involved to sign Williams this month mean a deal is expected to be on the cards in the summer. Bilbao are currently fourth in La Liga, just seven points off leaders Real Madrid.

Instead of paying nearly £50m for one player, Arsenal may be forced to look elsewhere for a less financially daunting move. Dani Olmo, who could be available for free, has been name linked with Paris Saint-Germain's Lee-Kang In also said to be on their radar.