Arsenal and Newcastle United are interested in signing Athletic Club attacker Nico Williams, whose release clause is worth £50 million.
Nico Williams is one of the most talented young attackers in La Liga right now, and his performances have attracted the attention of the top clubs. A report from Daily Mail claims that Newcastle United and Arsenal are keen on signing the attacker, who will cost £50 million this summer.
Williams has a release clause of around £50 million in his contract. But it remains to be seen whether Arsenal or Newcastle United are prepared to pay up the required sum.The Spanish international is a prodigious young talent with a big future ahead of him, and he has the attributes to develop into a top-class Premier League attacker in the future.
Arsenal could certainly use a versatile attacker like him next season. The Gunners have not been able to rotate their squad regularly because of the lack of options. And Mikel Arteta needs to bring in a player who will be able to slot into the roles occupied by Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus.
Williams is naturally a winger. But he is capable of playing anywhere across the front three, and he will add creativity and goals to the side. The 20-year-old has nine goals and six assists to his name across all competitions. And a move to the Premier League would be the ideal next step in his career.
Competing against the best defenders in England will accelerate his development. And a top-class coach like Mikel Arteta could play a big role in his development as well. Arteta has done well to groom the talented young attackers at Arsenal, and he will look to help Williams fulfil his potential as well.
Athletic Club will be hoping to hold on to their prized asset for as long as possible. However, they are powerless to stop him from leaving if the £50 million release clause is triggered in the summer. The attacker has been linked with clubs like Real Madrid, Liverpool and Manchester United as well.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United need to add more depth to their attack as well. They have been using Miguel Almiron in the wide areas. But the Paraguayan is more suited to a central role. Williams could operate in the right-wing berth next season if Newcastle manage to get the deal done.
The Magpies have drawn quite a few matches this season and will be hoping to turn these draws into wins. A player like Williams will add more cutting edge in the final third and he could make a big difference for his side. But it will be interesting to see if Newcastle are ready to pay £50 million and beat Arsenal to his signature.
