According to GOAL (h/t: Just Arsenal), Arsenal has been linked to a deal for Nico Williams, a player for the Spanish national team at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Twenty-year-old Nico has emerged as a key contributor for Athletic Bilbao in recent months. The winger joined the Basque club in the summer of 2013. He has been playing with his brother Inaki Williams since.
In 14 games played at home this season, he has contributed to four goals and as many assists. Thanks to his strong play for Ernesto Valverde’s La Roja, he will be representing Spain in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
He still has a long career ahead of him and can only improve. He is apparently available for a transfer price of €50 million, which the Gunners should be able to pay.
Williams is a speed demon and a dangerous opponent on the right wing. Arsenal, who have shown faith in young players under Mikel Arteta, would be wise to acquire a player of his calibre.
As a product of the CA Osasuna youth system, he is one of the brightest prospects in all of Spanish football. The five-time-capped Spanish winger has seen action in both of Spain’s group-stage games in Qatar at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
On December 1st, Barcelona manager Luis Enrique is reportedly going to play winger Ansu Fati against Japan. If Williams gets the same confidence against the Asian country is still up in the air.
If that’s the case, the Gunners will have a fuller picture of his play
With Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli on the wings for Arsenal, it will be intriguing to see where Williams slots in should they make the acquisition. They’re the same age as Williams, give or take a year.
However, the contracts of both of Arsenal’s wingers will be up in the summer of 2024. Big teams should be vying for the services of the pair since they are two of the finest young wingers in all of European football.
Even more so if they don’t sign new contracts with the Gunners within the next year. They should sign Williams as a safety net in this situation.
What’s next for Arsenal?
The Bilbao winger may be a major threat to Saka and Martinelli on the flanks if they decide to remain at the Emirates beyond the 2023-24 season.
The new athletic director at Athletic Bilbao, Mikel Gonzalez, says that Nico Williams is not going anywhere.
The striker is playing for Spain at the World Cup. There are rumours that he might move to another team this season.
Gonzalez at his presentation said: “Obviously it is within our priorities to retain all the talent we have, we have been working on them for some time and they are important players for the club and the future project.”
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