In a recent interview with Give Me Sport, journalist Ben Jacobs revealed that Arsenal are keeping tabs on Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams. Jacobs said,
“Arsenal are looking for two things in wide areas. Number one – a left-sided winger or forward, who can be a regular starter and can contribute goals and assists.
“[Raheem] Sterling could be one option, but of course, Nico Williams is another that has been on their radar for quite some time. The terms of that deal just need to be more affordable if Arsenal are to pull the trigger, but they want a starter on the left-hand side.
“Sterling either has to show that he can compete and/or supplant [Gabriel] Martinelli – or Arsenal in a year’s time may strengthen in that position with a younger name, or somebody that can actually be above Martinelli in the pecking order, at least on paper.
“Then, the other thing they want to do is have more of a squad player or a backup to Bukayo Saka, to alleviate his burden.”
Williams’ Decent Run Of Form In La Liga
The 22-year-old had a fruitful campaign at the La Liga club recently as he produced a series of eye-catching displays for them from the wide areas. Williams scored eight times and grabbed 19 assists in 37 appearances for his current employers last season in all competitions.
The Pamplona-born wing wizard was a reliable performer in the opponent’s half based on his average of 1.8 shots, 1.5 interceptions and 2.8 dribbles per 90 minutes in La Liga. He was even careful when distributing possession in the opponent’s half after completing 79.2% of his attempted passes in the top tier of Spanish football (stats via whoscored).
What Will Williams Add To Arsenal Boss Mikel Arteta’s Side?
Williams can use his quickness to get in behind the opponent’s backline at every chance he gets. He is an excellent dribbler with the ball and has got the vision to engineer some promising chances for his teammates in the final third.
The Spanish talent can shoot the ball well from long range and has proven himself to be a consistent performer in La Liga. However, only time will tell whether he can make a smooth transition to life in the Premier League.
Williams would add more firepower to Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s attack. At 22, he has got a bright future ahead of him and could help the Gunners compete for a lot of major honours over the next decade. Therefore, the North London club would be wise to get a deal done for him next year.
