Arsenal handed boost in purchasing Nico Williams?

Arsenal have been handed a boost in signing Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams during the summer transfer window.

The Spain international has been a long-term target for the London heavyweights and it has been claimed that manager Mikel Arteta is a huge admirer of him.

The club have yet to make a formal approach for the versatile winger, but they have received a boost with Barcelona pulling out of the race for his services.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta recently acknowledged that the club are no longer exploring the possibility of signing the highly-rated Basque star.

He said: "We valued Nico as potential signing last summer with Dani Olmo, but right now i think the club is valuing other players."

The news has provided a boost for the Gunners with lesser competition in store. They still face a tough challenge to secure an agreement.

Athletic recently qualified for next season's Champions League and they are expected to hold out for the player's release clause worth £51m.

Williams is also expected to demand a significant salary package. He already earns £175,000 per week and could demand upto £300,000.