Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit believes Athletic Club winger Nico Williams should be the club’s top transfer target this summer, even if it means paying a £100million release clause.
Speaking to BetVictor Live Casino, Petit argued that Williams has the quality to take Mikel Arteta’s side to the next level.
“For Arsenal, I have another player in mind. Arsenal were fighting to get him last season during the transfer market. It’s Nico Williams. He was targeted by Barcelona too, and he stayed at his club.
“I remember him during the last Euros when they won it with Spain. They had Lamine Yamal as a right winger and Nico Williams as a left winger. Both guys were amazing.
“He’s so powerful in terms of dribbling. This guy can bring such a huge improvement for Arsenal if they’re able to get him.”
Rashford an option, but Williams comes first
Petit also praised Marcus Rashford following the forward’s recent performances, insisting the England international looks determined to rediscover his best form.
“I also look at Rashford. He had a good season in Barcelona. I watched him against New Zealand. He looks very fit.
“He’s very powerful with his legs and you can see the same Rashford as when he started his career, with the same ambition and anger on the pitch. This is something I really like with him.
“When he’s got this mentality, because he’s got quality, he can be a nightmare for defenders. I’ve seen it so many times during this season.
“He is on a mission. He wants to come back to the way he was before. This is something very important for a manager of a club. Rashford can be a very good addition to the squad, but my first option would be Nico Williams.”
Petit believes Arsenal should not be put off by Williams’ reported price tag.
“Nico Williams for £100million release clause? Well, if he can bring Arsenal to the next level, I don’t mind because Declan Rice was a similar price and he has improved his team a lot.
“For top players that can improve your team, you have to put that sort of money on the table.”
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Kroupi could provide missing attacking profile
Petit also spoke about Bournemouth striker Eli Junior Kroupi and warned the youngster against joining Paris Saint-Germain too soon.
“He has done very well with Bournemouth. There are big clubs knocking at his door, but he has to improve step by step. If he goes to Paris Saint-Germain, he won’t be in the first eleven.
“He will replace Goncalo Ramos. I’m pretty sure he will play more games than Ramos, but at the end of the day, what’s the point? He will stop his improvement.”
Petit feels Arsenal would be a more suitable destination.
“Arsenal? Kroupi is very powerful, he has pace, and he loves space behind defenders. He has the physicality and movement technically. Arsenal is missing that kind of player.
“We have Viktor Gyokeres, he’s a fighter on the pitch. Kai Havertz is not the same, he’s more of a holding striker. Gabriel Jesus, I think, is going to leave the club.
“So Arsenal needs to bring in strong and powerful strikers. This is exactly what we’re missing.”
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