Nico Williams broke England’s hearts in the Euro 2024 showpiece on Sunday night. However, should Arsenal get a dream swoop for the Spain hot-shot over the line this summer, all might be forgiven in north London so long as he reproduces those swashbuckling performances when swapping La Roja for just plain red.
The 22-year-old was not exactly an unknown in European circles. His electric form in Germany, though, pushed the Athletic Bilbao forward onto a new level and put top clubs such as the Gunners on red alert.
Williams, who put pen-to-paper on a new contract with the La Liga side in December – which runs until 2027 – will not come cheaply. His would-be transfer fee will no doubt have sky-rocketed over the last few weeks, as well, with a hefty wage packet also to take into consideration.
Potential suitors might argue the Pamplona-born speedster is worth every penny. Either way, there ought to be a (dis) orderly queue for his signature this summer – with Arsenal thought to be in the market for at least one attack-minded recruit to help them finally bridge the gap on Manchester City at the Premier League summit.
Kai Havertz was the man they opted for last summer. His £60million transfer from Chelsea raised a few eyebrows, but following some early-season concerns with his form, he managed to repay that faith in leading the Arsenal line as a typically modern false nine – flanked by two wide forwards.
England sensation Bukayo Saka is a guaranteed starter on the right side, while bringing Williams in would multiply Arsenal’s threat and give opposition defenders (even more) sleepless nights. Williams is drumming up interest from the Emirates Stadium – even if finances might dictate where he ends up.
