Arsenal have been able to get right back into the 2023/24 Premier League title race even after opting against making any striker signings in the winter transfer window. However, they are planning transfer activity in the upcoming summer transfer window and seem to be following Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams as a target.
Arsenal Scouting Athletic Bilbao Winger Nico Williams
Have Arsenal Made Any Approach For Williams?
Fabrizio Romano has reported that the Gunners have sent scouts to follow the situation of the Spain international winger as he continues to impress for Ernesto Valverde’s side in the 2023/24 campaign. Moreover, he adds that Chelsea are also scouting Williams as well after including him in their transfer wishlist last summer.
However, Romano also reiterates that the “race is completely open” when it comes to signing the 21-year-old and that no club is in any advanced position to sign him anytime soon. When it comes to giving his own evaluation of Williams’ quality, he wrote on his CaughtOffside blog: “He’d be great in the Premier League in my opinion – a physical and technical player; very good one.”
Where Can Williams Fit In At Arsenal?
Williams has been enjoying a prolific season with Athletic Bilbao, having scored five goals and provided 10 assists in just 24 appearances across all competitions. That includes five goal contributions in four Copa Del Rey appearances as he has helped his side go all the way to the semi-finals of the Spanish Cup competition.
The 21-year-old is blessed with lightning pace and is prolific in the final third with his delivery. He is predominantly a left-winger, but can also operate in the right-wing role if necessary. He is probably being scouted by the Gunners to be brought in to further bolster their forward line for the future, as Williams can provide more competition to Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka if he arrives at the Emirates Stadium.
The youngster has scored two goals in 11 appearances for the Spanish national team and has 17 goals as well as 17 assists in 109 career appearances for Bilbao, but it could cost big money for any club to sign him in the summer as his contract with the Spanish club runs up till 2027.
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