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£48m winger Mikel Arteta ‘would love to sign’ for Arsenal says he’s better than Lamine Yamal
Arsenal are expected to be very active in the summer after signing nobody in the winter transfer window.
Mikel Arteta was desperate for reinforcements after Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus suffered injuries, but the Gunners could not get anyone in.
Reports claimed that Arsenal negotiated with five forwards during the window, but a deal could not be struck with anyone.
In the summer, Arsenal are expected to make a big signing in attack. They could even make two – a striker and a winger.
One of Arteta’s key targets has now made a big claim.
Arsenal target Nico Williams says he’s better than Lamine Yamal
Arsenal have been interested in Nico Williams for a long time.
The Athletic Club winger is a fantastic player. He had a fine campaign in La Liga last season and then helped Spain win Euro 2024.
Charles Watts has claimed in his that ‘Arteta would love to sign’ Williams in the summer, and Arsenal fans will definitely be excited about the prospect of seeing him at the Emirates.
It was reported on deadline day that Williams is ready to join Arsenal in the summer as well, which is further good news if the Gunners can agree a deal with his club.
Now, the Spain international has suggested that he is better than one of the best young players in the whole world – Barcelona star Lamine Yamal.
In a video on Pro Direct Soccer’s social channels, Williams played a game of ‘This or That’.
When he was asked to pick between himself and Yamal, the attacker said: “Nico, Nico! Ask his father.”
Nico Williams vs Lamine Yamal stats in 2024/25
Yamal is arguably the best young player in the world right now.
The teenager, like Williams, played a massive part in helping Spain win the Euros last summer, and his performances for Barcelona have been sensational as well.
Williams, on the other hand, has had a more difficult season.
Games | Goals | Assists | |
Nico Williams | 30 | 4 | 5 |
Lamine Yamal | 29 | 10 | 12 |
That, however, shouldn’t take anything away from how good a player Williams is. He can be ‘‘ on his day, and he showed that on the big stage at Euro 2024.
Arsenal need an electric wide player who can take players on and have an impact in the final third, and Williams checks all of those boxes.
Under Arteta, and alongside better players at Arsenal, there is every chance he will become a superstar in the coming years.
Williams has a €58 million (£48m) release clause in his contract at Athletic Club (). It remains to be seen if Arsenal will trigger that in the summer.