The player who taught Arsenal boss Arteta an important lesson as Spain beat England

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will have been watching on as Spain beat England in the Euro 2024 final last night.

There was Arsenal representation in both squads. Spain and England both had goalkeepers from the North London club on their bench, in the shape of David Raya and Aaron Ramsdale, respectively. 

Meanwhile, winger Bukayo Saka and midfielder Declan Rice were both named in Gareth Southgate’s starting XI for the final in Berlin. 

Neither of the Arsenal duo could ultimately decide the match in the Three Lions’ favour. Whilst Arsenal fans felt that Saka gave a good account of himself, England supporters were far from impressed with Rice.

Meanwhile, for Spain, Nico Williams dazzled in Berlin. The winger was a constant menace to the England defence. He was relentlessly positive every time he received the ball, willing to run at opponents, use his pace and skill to create openings, and he would not hesitate to deliver crosses into the England penalty area.

Just after half time, Williams was able to open scoring with a well-taken finish. It was a performance worthy of a European Championship final from the 22-year-old attacker, and may well have also sent a message to Mikel Arteta.

• READ MORE: Every player linked to and from Arsenal in the summer 2024 transfer window

Why Arsenal must push to sign Nico Williams after Euro 2024 final

Arsenal have been linked with a move for Williams this summer. A £43 million release clause in his current contract means that he can be prised away from Athletic Bilbao. However, the Gunners would face competition from Barcelona for his signature. 

What’s more, Arsenal have been cautioned against signing Williams. The player’s high wage demands would not fit in with the Gunners’ structure and could cause issues behind the scenes at the Emirates Stadium. 

However, the Spaniard’s performance last night showed why he is exactly the player Arsenal need, and why Arteta ought to pull out all the stops to sign him this summer. 

Three reasons Mikel Arteta must make a move for Williams this summer

Aside from Gabriel Martinelli, Arsenal currently lack raw, blistering pace in their attacking contingent. Williams would add that. They also lack top quality strength in depth in the wide areas, as Arteta clearly lacks faith in Reiss Nelson. Williams would address this issue too.

The Gunners also need to players who can help them overcome the final hurdle they are still yet to clear and deliver major silverware. Williams showed last night that he isn’t overawed by the biggest occasions, and that he can deliver in these moments.