Arsenal Seize Opportunity to Sign Nico Williams and Revitalize Their Season
Arsenal appears to have outmaneuvered Barcelona in the pursuit of Nico Williams, as Mikel Arteta aims to clinch the Premier League title next month.
The Gunners are currently six points behind Liverpool, who have a game in hand due to the postponement of the Merseyside Derby over the weekend. Nevertheless, Mikel Arteta’s team has faced criticism for their open play performance.
All three of their most recent goals have stemmed from set-pieces, leading to concerns that Arsenal lacks clinical finishing in open play. To address this, Arteta has reportedly insisted on acquiring a top-tier attacker.
Arsenal seems to have triumphed over Barcelona in securing Nico Williams
Football Transfers has shared insights from Arsenal journalist Charles Watts, indicating that Arteta has requested the acquisition of Athletic Club standout Nico Williams – currently ranked as the second-best left-winger in the world according to eScored – in the forthcoming transfer window to enhance offensive threats from the left flank.
The north London side struggled considerably from that side against Fulham’s defensive setup over the weekend, with Arteta suggesting potential signings ahead of an impending match against Monaco as Champions League play returns tonight.
“The transfer window offers us a chance to bolster the squad if we deem it necessary and if we have the resources to do so,” Arteta commented. “We are actively monitoring the situation since it evolves weekly.”
Despite the challenges, Arsenal will be encouraged by the fact that their closest competitors for Williams have encountered obstacles in signing him this winter.
Barcelona’s financial difficulties have restricted them to only reuniting Euro 2024 star Lamine Yamal with international teammate Dani Olmo, thereby missing out on acquiring Williams.
Furthermore, Mundo Deportivo reports that the Catalan club is having trouble registering their No.10 for the upcoming season due to strict salary regulations in La Liga, giving Arsenal a clear path to secure this signing.
However, eScored suggests that Arsenal may not pursue an attacker next month. The club already possesses five options in Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus, and on-loan Raheem Sterling – all currently fit. Arteta was even ready to begin the season with Reiss Nelson instead of Sterling before the transfer was finalized on Deadline Day.
With Arteta reaffirming his confidence in Jesus amid speculations of the Brazilian’s potential return to Palmeiras, it seems almost unlikely that Arteta activates Williams’ €58 million release clause.
According to Transfermarkt, Williams is valued at €70 million.
