Former Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has now given his verdict on one Arsenal transfer target.
There was a great deal of Arsenal interest in Sunday’s Euro 2024 final, as Spain beat England to lift the trophy in Berlin.
The Gunners’ goalkeeper David Raya was part of the Spain squad that won the trophy. Meanwhile, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and Aaron Ramsdale all suffered the heartbreak of coming so close, yet so far. Raya has been congratulated in his hour of glory.
Mikel Arteta will have been keeping a close eye on the final, not least because a number of the North London club’s summer transfer targets were involved.
On the England side of things, Arsenal have been linked with Marc Guehi. As for the Spanish team, Martin Zubimendi has been named as a target. Meanwhile, Arsenal are set to swoop for Mikel Merino.
However, it is one other player who has been linked with the Gunners who caught Pardew’s eye.
Arsenal transfer target Nico Williams lauded
Arsenal are known to hold an interest in signing Athletic Bilbao ace Nico Williams. The winger was electrifying in the final, causing constant problems for the England defence, and scoring the goal that set Spain on their way to victory.
The 22-year-old possesses searing pace, flair, dynamism, and is constantly looking to attack and make an impact in the final third.
Pardew was certainly impressed by what he saw from the wide man. Speaking on talkSPORT (15/07/2024, 0923), he said: “I was lucky enough to see live the first two games, and I mean, Nico Williams was a revelation for me because I had heard a little bit about him, but I didn’t know too much.
“And after his first performance, I thought, ‘Wow, what an outstanding display. I don’t think he will be repeating that kind of level.’ And then they played Italy and he was even better. He was, for me, the outstanding wide player of the tournament.”
Why Arsenal need to sign Williams
Arsenal have been cautioned against signing Williams. His wage demands would certainly upset the Gunners’ existing salary structure, which it is feared could provoke issues in the dressing room.
However, Arteta must take this risk as Williams could be a game-changer for Arsenal. The prospect of the Spaniard and Saka working in tandem on the flanks, supported by Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, is a tantalising one.
Williams is a perfect fit for Arsenal, and would add quality, speed, creativity, and goal threat.
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