Liverpool among clubs keen on signing player wanted by Mikel Arteta at Arsenal - Reports
Liverpool have reportedly joined the race to sign Arsenal target and Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams. The news comes from MARCA, who claim that the Reds are set to compete with other Premier League teams and Barcelona for the player (via The Boot Room).
However, the report maintains that the strongest interest in the 22-year-old comes from the Gunners. A move for any interested club will not be easy, with other European teams like Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Bayern Munich also considered suitors.
Williams' stock has only gone up following his performances at Euro 2024, where he bagged two goals and an assist in six appearances. He also scored Spain's first goal in the final against England in the competition.
It will be interesting to see if Williams ends up either at Arsenal or Liverpool, where the spot on the left wing is up for grabs. Luis Diaz has been linked with a move away from Anfield, which would leave a spot open on that flank.
Meanwhile, neither Gabriel Martinelli nor Leandro Trossard are sure-shot starters on the left side in north London. Of the two sides, it does seem like the Gunners are the better-placed side to challenge for top honors in the coming campaign.
They finished second in the Premier League last season, two points behind Manchester City, while the Reds were third and nine points short of the champions.
Last season, Williams bagged eight goals and 19 assists in 37 appearances across competitions for Athletic Club. He's got three years remaining on his current deal.
Arsenal drop interest in Crystal Palace star, set to allow Liverpool to complete a transfer - Reports
Arsenal have reportedly withdrawn their interest in Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi. The Times claims that the Eagles' £70 million valuation has caused this, and it is set to allow Liverpool to complete a deal for the England international (via TeamTalk).
It is claimed that the Gunners have now turned their attention to signing Italian centre-back Riccardo Calafiori, who is a cheaper option. Guehi's high price tag could have to do with his good performances with The Three Lions at Euro 2024 in Harry Maguire's absence.
He was a standout in a struggling side. The 24-year-old is also an experienced Premier League player, having made 98 appearances in the competition so far, bagging three goals and two assists.