Arsenal have come tantalisingly close to winning the Premier League over the last two seasons. While many Gunners fans have called for the club to bring in an out-and-out striker, there have been rumours that the club have been in touch with Athletic Bilbao on the availability of Spain winger Nico Williams, with GIVEMESPORT reporting on this possible transfer and Arsenal having already held talks with his agent.
Although it's rumoured that the Spaniard would prefer a transfer to Barcelona, his potential move to North London is an exciting prospect for Arsenal fans given his performances for Spain so far in the European Championships, particularly against Italy, where his pace and directness towards goal were very effective. So, how good a signing would he be for the Gunners?
Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams celebrating
Related
Arsenal ‘Hold Talks’ with Nico Williams’ Agent
Winger Has Pace to Burn
Williams was electrfying for Spain against Italy at Euro 2024
Nico Williams Spain vs Italy Euro 2024
Williams gave the Italian fullback Giovanni Di Lorenzo a torrid evening in Gelsenkirchen, turning him inside out on multiple occasions and crashing a long range strike against the crossbar. If it is possible to get thrashed 1-0, Italy did so, with Williams providing much of the beating from the left flank.
It was his direct play that resulted in Riccardo Calafiori's own goal, with GIVEMESPORT awarding him the player of the match for his ability to take a game by the scruff of its neck. Arsenal fans could no doubt imagine Williams being found by Martin Odegaard's quarter-back-like through balls, as unlike so many pacey wide players, Williams has no shortage of end product.
According to the Premier League statistics, no player in the English top flight played more through balls last season than Arsenal skipper Odegaard. With 39 through balls in the 2023/24 season, the Norweigian was ahead of the nearest by nine through balls, with Bruno Fernandes and Lucas Paqueta producing 30 each. Odegaard is no slouch when it comes to finding such passes either. If that speed of thought was complemented by Williams's pace and power, Arsenal may have found their missing piece to the jigsaw to winning the Premier League title for the first time since 2004.
Nico Williams Stats: 2023-24
Competition
Games
Goals
Assists
Minutes per goal
La Liga
31
5
12
457
Copa del Rey
6
3
5
149
It feels very much as if Williams is finding his rhythm. At 21 years of age, this is already the third season in a row he has played more than 30 league games in a season, demonstrating that he has the stamina as well as the ability to compete regularly at the highest level. Arsenal would do well to move for him and do so quickly.
0 Comments