The future of Nico Williams could lead to one former Mikel Arteta transfer target being made available to Arsenal this summer.
As things stand, Arsenal are still in the race to sign Nico Williams.
However, Barcelona are currently the favourites to secure the services of the Spanish winger.
It is easy to see why Mikel Arteta is keen to get his hands on the 22-year-old winger. Williams was in scintillating form at Euro 2024 this summer, and showed the world what he can do, as he was even able to score against England in the final of the competition.
The Athletic Bilbao man would bring pace, directness, creativity, and goal threat to the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal have been cautioned against signing Williams, due to his wage demands, but in truth, if the Gunners can convince him to make the switch to North London, then he is worthy of being one of the club’s highest earners.
However, it seems likely that he is set for a switch to the Camp Nou instead. This could instigate a domino effect, which may see the Gunners afforded the opportunity to land an alternative transfer target – someone Arteta has been keen to sign in the past.
Nico Williams move to Barcelona could open the door for Arsenal to sign Raphinha
Arsenal tried to sign Raphinha in the summer of 2022, as reported by Sky Sports, but the Brazilian ended up joining Barcelona instead.
Since then, the 27-year-old has impressed in fits and starts for the La Liga giants, but has struggled to impress on a consistent basis. There can be no doubting his quality though, and he showed in his time at Leeds United that he can flourish in the Premier League.
Raphinha would certainly add strength in depth to Arteta’s attacking contingent, and could now be available for a fee in the region of £55 million, as per reports in Spain.
According to AS, Raphinha: “Does not want to leave and wants to fulfil his contract at Barcelona, although it cannot be ruled out that the arrival of Nico Williams, who would start on the left, will make him rethink his situation.”
Should Arsenal give up on Nico Williams and focus on Raphinha?
Even as the odds seem stacked against the Gunners landing Williams, pivoting to Raphinha is not the wisest alternative course of action. Whilst the 27-cap Brazil international is not exactly old, he does not offer a huge amount of future resale value either, nor would his arrival at the Emirates Stadium take Arsenal to the next level.
Williams would be a transformative signing, and would represent a huge statement of intent. Signing Raphinha would not have the same impact, but would still be an expensive deal to pull off.
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