Nico Williams has been on Arsenal’s radar for a while and justifiably so, considering he is one of the best young wingers in Europe.
Mikel Arteta adores Williams from Athletic Bilbao and believes he would be the “perfect signing” for his Gunners side.
Arsenal are happy to pay Williams’ wages as well which goes to show how highly they rate the Spaniard.
But Real Madrid are ready to sell Rodrygo Goes this summer, another left-winger who Andrea Berta could try and bring in during the summer transfer window.
The Arsenal sporting director has an unenviable task on his hands as all eyes will especially be on him as fans will be waiting to see how he rejigs their forward line in the summer.
Arsenal should sign Real Madrid star Rodrygo instead of Nico Williams
Both Nico Williams and Rodrygo have the potential to become world-class players, especially under Mikel Arteta at Arsenal.
But Andrea Berta should prioritise the signing of Rodrygo over Williams for a multitude of reasons.
Firstly, the Real Madrid wideman has far more pedigree than the European Championship winner — having played a key role in winning two Champions Leagues and three La Liga titles in particular.
Furthermore, while Williams has effortlessly handled the pressure of being Athletic Bilbao’s golden child, where Rodrygo also pips him is having thrived at arguably the biggest club in the world — which would perhaps make him more suited to dealing with the weight of expectations if he signed for Arsenal.
Mikel Merino called Rodrygo “complete” and while Williams is excellent on both flanks, Mikel Arteta might especially enjoy working with the Brazilian as he can play across the entire front line and even as a number 10.
While an argument that can be made in favour of the Spanish international is that he has succeeded despite playing in an inferior side to the former Santos winger, it is also worth considering that the latter has largely played out of position on the right-wing and still made a name for himself — being a left-winger by trade.
Interestingly, Jude Bellingham referred to Rodrygo as “gifted” to the point that no player in Real Madrid’s squad is as naturally “talented” as him — which highlights how much potential he has to become a bona fide superstar.
With Arsenal’s need to sign win-now players being sky-high as well, the fact that Rodrygo, 24 is approaching his prime and is already a serial winner makes him a better fit than Williams for their project.
Nico Williams future latest amid Arsenal links
Williams revealed he is happy at Athletic Bilbao ahead of their 3-0 defeat against Manchester United in the first leg of the Europa League semi-final.
“The dream is to lift the champion’s trophy at San Mames. I have the opportunity to make history at this club. The dream never ends. I’m 100% focused on tomorrow, on reaching the final and winning it. I don’t want to look any further. I’m super happy here. I’ve always wanted to feel important here. This is a 10/10 season for me.”
Furthermore, Williams would apparently like to join Barcelona and with Real Madrid willing to offload Rodrygo, Arsenal should shift their focus towards signing the decorated wideman instead.
Having spent years at Atletico Madrid, Andrea Berta will know how terrific both players are anyway.
The prospect of Bukayo Saka and the £37.9 million (Athletic) man lining up as a wing duo could send shivers down most defences’ spines in Europe.
