Arsenal have sent scouts to observe Nico Williams as they increase their interest in the Athletic Bilbao attacker, but Chelsea They are also following the extreme, according to Fabrizio Romano in CaughtOffside.
The Italian journalist has revealed that Arsenal have sent their representatives to watch the 21-year-old La Liga attacker in action several times. Mikel Arteta looks to bring in another open player in the summer.
However, the Gunners will face competition from first division Rivals Chelsea and the Blues are also showing strong interest in Williams. And Romano believes he would be “great” in the Premier League if he ends up signing for Arsenal or Chelsea.
Romano said in his CaughtOffside column:
“Arsenal have also sent their scouts to follow Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams several times, and the same goes for Chelsea, having included him on the list last summer.”
“The race is completely open and so far there is nothing advanced with any of the clubs. In my opinion, he would be fantastic in the Premier League: a physical and technical player; very good.”
Williams has established himself as a key player for Athletic Club de Bilbao and it is no surprise that top clubs are looking to sign him. He has been in excellent form this season, scoring five goals and collecting 10 assists in all competitions.
Williams has a buyout clause in his contract worth around £43 million. Arsenal and Chelsea should be able to afford him in the summer, so a fierce battle for his signature is expected.
Williams could transform Arsenal and Chelsea
The Spanish winger has all the tools to become a world-class attacker with the right guidance. He could be a key player for Arsenal and his arrival would allow the Gunners to rotate their squad more frequently.
Mikel Arteta has not been able to rotate players like Gabriel Martinelli and Buko Saka due to the lack of options at his disposal. Williams is versatile enough to operate on both flanks and also as a centre-forward. He would bring goals, style and pace to Arsenal's attack, making him a great signing for them.
Likewise, Chelsea could also use a young striker like him. The likes of Raheem Sterling and Mykhailo Mudryk have performed poorly this season and Mauricio Pochettino's men have looked toothless going forward.
Both teams hope to fight for important trophies in the coming seasons and will need to solve their attacking problems. Williams could prove ideal for them and could transform them in attack.
The opportunity to join a big Premier League club can be quite tempting for most players and the Spanish winger is likely to be attracted to the idea of playing for Arsenal or Chelsea.
