Arsenal ready to pounce for Euro 2024 star if Barcelona fail to sign the in-form attacker: Reports
Arsenal are reportedly on alert and will swoop for Nico Williams if Barcelona can't afford Spain's Euro 2024 star. The Athletic Bilbao attacker is increasingly likely to be on the move this summer after dazzling at the European Championships in Germany.
Transfer insider @Teamnewsandtix on X reports that the Gunners are positioning themselves to sign Williams if Barca fails in their pursuit. The La Liga giants are frontrunners to sign the 22-year-old winger this summer.
However, Barcelona could miss out on Williams for financial reasons. They must pay his reported release clause, which is €58 million (£49 million).
Williams is Arsenal's top choice to bolster Mikel Arteta's attack, and they tried signing him before Euro 2024. He prefers Barca but could make the switch to north London if a transfer to the Catalans fails to materialize.
The pacey wideman majorly impressed at the European Championships in Germany this summer. He bagged two goals and one assist in six games, including the opener in Spain's 2-1 win against England in the final.
Williams was also sensational for Athletic last season, posting eight goals and 19 assists in 37 games across competitions. His speed, creativity, and eye for goal gave defenders a torrid time in La Liga.
"He is a big inspiration" - Arsenal target Nico Williams named ex-Barcelona superstar Neymar as his idol
Williams could be eyeing following in his idol's footsteps by joining Barcelona this summer. The Pamplona-born attacker named former Blaugrana forward Neymar as his childhood idol when speaking to Mundo Deportivo:
"He is a big inspiration for me, the player I enjoyed watching most as a kid. I always tried to emulate his dribbles, even if they didn't always come off. He is my idol, and I hope to achieve what he has achieved in my own way."
Neymar was one of the trickiest attackers to grace Camp Nou during his four years in Catalonia. Brazil's all-time top scorer posted 105 goals and 76 assists in 186 games across competitions.
The Al-Hilal superstar's quick feet, agility, and dribbling skills make him a Brazilian icon. He is the perfect idol for Williams to emulate if he seals a move to Barca this summer.
Williams could also thrill fans similarly to Neymar if he joins Arsenal and the pace of Premier League football might suit him. Pacey attackers such as Gareth Bale, Sadio Mane, and Riyad Mahrez excelled in the English top flight.