Arsenal news: Gunners hold talks with LaLiga star Nico Williams over potential summer move
Arsenal returned with a bang on Tuesday, as the Gunners marked the end of the international break with a 2-1 win over London rivals Fulham.
There is plenty to get excited about in N5, with Andrea Berta officially announced as the club’s new sporting director.
The Italian has got straight to work, outlining Sporting centre-forward Viktor Gyökeres as a top summer target whilst also meeting with Nico Williams’ agent, Félix Tainta.
According to the Guardian, Arsenal have ‘heavily scouted’ the Spanish forward over the last two years and even considered a move for him last summer, only to be told he wanted to stay at Athletic for another season.
The 22-year-old reportedly has a release clause valued between €60-80million in his contract, a bargain price which could enable the Gunners to invest elsewhere in their squad.
How good is Nico Williams?
With the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid circling Bilbao, Williams is undoubtedly very talented and highly sought after.
This season, the winger has scored nine goals and set up a further seven in all competitions, as Athleitc sit fourth in LaLiga.
Many will recognise Williams’ name from EURO 2024.
The forward scored Spain’s first goal in the final against England, as Luis de la Fuente’s side were crowned European champions for the fourth time.
If Arsenal can beat off the competition to secure Williams’ signature, their front three could be unstoppable next season.
Why do Arsenal need Nico Willams?
Predominantly a left-winger, Williams would offer a direct upgrade on Arsenal’s current options in that position.
Without Bukayo Saka, who was sidelined with a hamstring injury for three months, the Gunners have struggled for goals and watched their Premier League title hopes slip away.
While the lack of a recognised striker has certainly not helped, the performances of Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli on the left flank have been particularly underwhelming.
The left-sided duo are both great in their own ways, but they have failed to step up when needed this campaign, and ultimately, that is why Arsenal have fallen so far behind Liverpool in the Premier League.
Signing Williams would not solve all of the Gunners’ problems going forward, but the Spaniard would be able to offer like-for-like quality on the opposite wing to Saka and, paired with a new centre-forward, would make for a hugely exciting front line.
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