Athletic Club and Spain winger Nico Williams has reminded Arsenal of his quality after a stunning effort against Real Valladolid.
The 22-year-old put the finishing touch on a 7-1 La Liga victory by cutting in from the left and firing an effort into the top corner, sending Estadio de San Mames into raptures.
Nico Williams celebrating his goal for Athletic Club.
Williams has been extensively linked with Arsenal and Barcelona, though Mikel Arteta’s outfit have a key advantage over the Spanish side.
He has a £49million release clause in his contract, as standard for Athletic and La Liga sides, though would only be triggered if Williams consents to a move away from the Basque region.
That is yet to take place, with Williams’ preference thought to be Barcelona where he would play alongside national side team-mate Lamine Yamal.
However, Barcelona’s finances dictate that a large sale would likely have to be made in order to meet the release clause. Arsenal would be forced to pay up if they decide to purchase Williams.
Arsenal have no such issue and are prioritising a forward addition in the summer, with Mikel Merino, Leandro Trossard and 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri leading the attack in defeat to West Ham on Saturday.
Injuries have sidelined Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli but a marquee addition to the frontline is expected before next season.
And Williams is reportedly open to a north London move if Barcelona cannot pay his release clause.
Arteta claimed that Arsenal were “actively looking” to sign a striker in January, though failed to get a new body in the door, but they are even open to a free agent signing to ease their woes up front.
“We’ll explore every possible situation and make a decision from there,” said Arteta last week.
“He [Havertz] was going to stop a shot after a set-piece, then he stretched the leg and felt his hamstring. Certainly it is a big blow because of the injuries that we have but fortunately, we’ve been through a lot this season.
“We have played without Gabriel, without [William] Saliba, Ben White all season, [Takehiro] Tomiyasu all season, [Riccardo] Calafiori for two months, Merino for two months, Martin Odegaard for two months, Bukayo Saka for three months, Gabriel Jesus… all of them.
“So that’s it, that’s the challenge ahead. I love it and look forward because we are still where we are with all the things I mentioned on top of playing four times with 10 men, blah blah blah. Let’s see what the team is made of.”
Williams could be that solution in the summer, though strikers such as Benjamin Sesko, Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres have all been linked with moves to the Emirates also.
Hojlund close to leaving Man UtdPer Fabrizio Romano, Napoli are in advanced talks with Rasmus Hojlund over a loan move to the Italian side. The loan deal will also include an obligation to buy next season. Both parties are now discussing the personal terms as the Serie A giants are pushing to complete the deal soon.Chelsea remain interested in Xavi SimonsPer Sky Sports' Florian Pletteberg, Xavi Si...
[(Arsenal) Strength]: 1. Arsenal secured a 1-0 away victory over Manchester United in their opening Premier League game, getting their season off to a winning start. As last season's Premier League runners-up, the team's goal for the new season is to remain in the title race, so every win is crucial. Hosting this game, they hope to continue their winning momentum and consolidate their position in ...
BENJAMIN SESKO made his Manchester United in Sunday’s defeat to Arsenal.On the field, the £74million striker made little impact as his side crashed to a 1-0 defeat at Old Trafford.Benjamin Sesko made his debut in Man Utd's 1-0 defeat to ArsenalSesko has been accompanied to the UK by his older glam girlfriend Anita VidovicBut off it, Sesko leads a fabulous lifestyle full of glitz and gla...
[(Gangwon FC) Strength]: 1. Last season in the Korean FA Cup, Gangwon FC were eliminated in the Round of 16. This season, the team have made a breakthrough so far and have advanced to the semi-finals. In this second leg, they will play at home and have a strong desire to win.2. Lee Ji Ho, a forward of Gangwon FC, has had limited playing time this season. However, he has maintained high offensive e...
[(Everton F.C.) Strength]: 1. On August 24th, in the 2nd round of the Premier League, Everton F.C. secured a comfortable 2-0 home victory over Brighton & Hove Albion F.C., with Jack Grealish providing two assists and putting in an impressive performance.2. Everton F.C. kept unbeaten in the last 3 Premier League home games with 2 wins and 1 draw, showing excellent performances.3. Everton F.C. h...
[(Nagoya Grampus) Strength]: 1. Nagoya Grampus are on a 2-game losing streak. They are motivated to win this home game to boost their morale.2. Soichiro Mori scored a goal and made an assist in the last game, showing outstanding form.3. Nagoya Grampus secured a 3-game winning streak in their last 3 encounters between both sides, giving them a better mentality.[(Nagoya Grampus) Neutral]: 1. Nagoya ...
[(Grimsby Town F.C.) Strength]: 1. Grimsby Town F.C. player Jaze Kabia scored in the last game, with reliable form.2. Grimsby Town F.C. drew 1-1 against Accrington Stanley in the last game, but they still kept unbeaten among all events in the new season, being in stable form.3. Grimsby Town F.C.'s home performance was outstanding. They won all the last 3 home games.4. Grimsby Town F.C. have a good...
[(FC Machida Zelvia) Strength]: 1. FC Machida Zelvia are undoubtedly motivated to win this home game to qualify for the semi-finals.2. Yuki Soma scored 10 goals and made 6 assists across all competitions this season, being important on the team's offense.3. FC Machida Zelvia drew 0-0 with Yokohama F. Marinos in the last game. They were unbeaten with 11 wins and 1 draw in the last 12 games, showing...
[(Reading F.C.) Strength]: 1. Reading F.C. are playing in the EFL League One this season and are on a 3-game winless run lately. They need to return to winning ways, indicating full motivation in this game.2. Lewis Wing scored a goal and made an assist in the last game, helping the team tie with Wycombe Wanderers F.C.3. Reading F.C. won the last 2 games in AH, revealing recent performances in line...
[(Sheffield Wed) Strength]: 1. Sheffield Wed have a rather impressive track record in the EFL Cup. In the first round of this season, they defeated Bolton Wanderers F.C., another team from the EFL Championship, and have posted 3 wins and 2 draws in their last 5 EFL Cup games.2. Sheffield Wed lost only 1 of the last 5 games in AH with stable performances. They ended all the last 4 games with OVER.[...
- 1 Ruben Amorim gives cryptic response when asked about Andre Onana returning to starting XI for Fulham clash after Altay Bayindir blunder handed Arsenal victory
- 2 'Victory Bodes Well for Future' – Gasperini Delighted with Roma’s Opening Day Win
- 3 TIPS - Eintracht Frankfurt VS Werder Bremen
- 4 Transfer rumors, news: Arsenal could turn to Lyon's Fofana
- 5 Antony’s Man United Exit Hopes Rest on Fresh Real Betis Bid Within 'Next 24 Hours'
- 6 TIPS - Cerezo Osaka VS Vissel Kobe
- 7 TIPS - Gamba Osaka VS Yokohama FC
- 8 TIPS - Schalke 04 VS VfL Bochum
- 9 TIPS - Sunderland A.F.C. VS Huddersfield Town A.F.C.
- 10 TIPS - Olympique de Marseille VS Paris FC