Latest developments
- Arsenal are preparing to pay £49 million for Athletic Club's Nico Williams.
- But rivals Tottenham Hotspur are also chasing the winger.
- The Spaniard was one of the best performers at UEFA Euro 2024.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (2.5/5): Spanish site drumming up rivalry?
Tottenham were reportedly preparing to pay the £49 million release clause for Nico Williams of Athletic Club, but now Arsenal have decided to enter the race against their great rivals.
This news comes from fichajes.net, the Spanish transfer site, who are light on source information connected to North London, suggesting they may just want to add extra spice into the rumour.
Value (5/5): Great value for big star
With Williams being a scorer in the Euro 2024 final, he has already proven his big-game mentality at the highest level. And while six months have now passed since La Roja lifted the European Championship cup, it still seems like a bargain, as there's been no let up his levels of speed and technique.
For their part, Athletic will doubtless be ruing the day they set that release clause, since it is a very affordable figure for the Premier League's top sides. Ultimately, it would just be a case of who could offer the bigger wages.
Suitability (4/5): A good fit in North London
Seven goal involvements this season seems a little underwhelming, but Williams' pace and trickery would be an asset for any top team intent on winning silverware.
He would fit seamlessly into Arsenal's formation, where wingers are used to put crosses into the box, while Tottenham's reliance of wingers to drive forward and cut inside would also work, change of management pending.
Upgrade? (3.5/5): Tough to gain Gunners place
Arsenal have healthy competition on the left wing, with Gabriel Martinelli shining ahead of Leandro Trossard, who is certainly contributing, too. Williams would have to show an improvement in form to take the starting berth for Mikel Arteta's side.
Son Heung-min regressing this season and Timo Werner misfiring makes the task much easier if he were to head to Tottenham.
Logic (4/5): Gunners move makes more sense
Tottenham's need for a new left-winger is greater, but the chance to snap the youngster up at such a good price is too good for Arsenal to turn down.
So much uncertainty around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and the chance to challenge for the title at the Emirates makes Arsenal the better choice for Williams.
Whisper+ verdict: 19/25
So many suitors means a switch to North London is by no means guaranteed, but a move to Arsenal looks the safer bet of the two.
