Arsenal Transfer News: The Nico Williams stats that proves he's perfect for Gunners

 

In the final knockings of the transfer window, there are still deals to be done. Football fans will be gripped to TVs and laptops ahead of deadline day as they seek to keep tabs on high-profile moves their side can complete before the transfer window closes. For Arsenal fans, it'll be the hope of a deal to sign Nico Williams. 

 

The Gunners haven't been quiet in the market this summer. David Raya has joined permanently after his excellent campaign - he kept more clean sheets (16) than any other goalkeeper in the Premier League last season - while Riccardo Calafiori has arrived from Bologna to strengthen the defence. Mikel Merino bolsters the midfield with the Spaniard set to arrive from Real Sociedad. 

 

Another raid of La Liga is certainly on the cards as the minutes tick towards next week's deadline. While it seemed as though Williams was destined for Barcelona this summer as the Blaugrana sought to line up with Spain's starting wing pair this season, the Spanish powerhouse have failed to strike a deal with Athletic Club. 

 

 

It remains to be seen whether both sides can come to an agreement ahead of next week, and that has presented Arsenal with the chance to strengthen with the Spain hero. There is an acceptance that a transfer would be complicated, even with Williams boasting a lowly £48m release clause. 

 

However, the winger's desire to stay in Spain makes a deal difficult to complete but there is still a week for a switch to come to fruition. Arsenal had been linked with a move for a new striker, with Alexander Isak and Benjamin Sesko rumoured targets, but Newcaste's high asking price and RB Leipzig's success in convincing the forward to remain in Germany means the Gunners' target and approach has since changed with Williams high on the wishlist. 

 

And it's for good reason too, with Williams' versatility a desireable trait for Mikel Arteta. Williams is best suited coming off the left flank, where he shone at the Euros, but the ability to play on the right means he'd provide sufficient cover and competition for Bukayo Saka. The desire to drive past opponents is one of the 22-year-old's stand out qualities with the youngster completing 87 dribbles since the start of the 2023/24 La Liga season; only new Manchester City winger Savinho (104) ranks higher in Spain's top tier over the same period. 

 

 

While Arsenal don't tend to utilise this quality - 292 successful dribbles ranks 15th since the start of the 2023/24 Premier League season - the addition of Williams would add another weapon to Arteta's, dare we say it, arsenal. The unpredictability to the winger's game would also make Williams a fine capture with the player himself able to either cut inside or go down the line before putting the ball in the box. 

 

It helps that Williams ranks well for both key passes (47) and assists (11) since the start of the 2023/24 La Liga campaign, meaning there is an impressive end product when he does get the better of a marker. 

 

Of course, Arsenal won't have a straight shot at Williams, and they have other irons in the fire if a deal for the Athletic Club star is impossible to complete in the next seven days. Interest in a player of Williams' calibre, however, isn't a surprise and his arrival could well give the Gunners the edge in the title race.

Arsenal Transfer News: The Nico Williams stats that proves he's perfect for Gunners