MikelRice

Good stuff. Pretty confident this gets done now. Always important to understand (this is my opinion) why certain sentences are there

Nico Williams… As you are all aware he has been Arteta’s obsession for many moons now. Within the decision chambers at Arsenal this player is viewed to having “superstar” potential. Let me cut to the chase though… As reported, Andrea Berta has also held discussions with Félix Tainta (agent). It is my understanding Berta has received encouragement when discussing a variety of wage / bonus combinations. Talks are still at a very early stage but Nico is very open to joining Arsenal more than ever before. The second and contrary to public opinion is the more difficult part… the release clause in the region of £50.6m. If you think Brighton’s Tony Bloom or Napoli’s De Laurentiis are tough negotiator’s then let me introduce you to their final boss version…Jon Uriarte the President of Athletic Club. When Barcelona attempted to offer instalments last summer, Deco received an emphatic NO. This is where in my opinion Berta will earn his money…. Paying £50.6m upfront in the modern era is an eye watering amount if you ask any football finance expert. Clubs will always try to spread costs but Arsenal have serious firepower this summer. Can Andrea Berta engineer a successful Basque heist? That is the £50.6 million pound question. More to follow soon.

I absolutely adore Gabi Martinelli, but if he has to leave, the one team I would like him to go to is Atletico Madrid. He would really kill it in La Liga and is a proper Simeone type hardworking player.