EXCLUSIVE: Aston Villa to hijack Arsenal’s €50m move for Europe most wanted player

According to reports, Arsenal is looking to add a forward this summer, and they believe that Nico Williams, a winger for Athletic Club, would be the ideal replacement for Pedro Neto of Wolves.

Ivan Toney is the center-forward that Mikel Arteta’s team is most interested in acquiring in 2024, but they are also eager to expand their alternatives on the wings.

The four reliable wingers that Arteta presently has at his disposal are Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, and Reiss Nelson, but it seems that Arsenal isn’t quite content yet.

FootballTransfers is aware that Manchester City is also considering Neto and that they intend to compete with Arsenal for his services this summer; however, their pursuit of the Portuguese star may come to a stop if Savio arrives soon.

Williams, though, has also been linked to a move to Chelsea, therefore Arsenal is also aiming to sign him. The Spain international has been scouted by both London teams, according to Fabrizio Romano, while several outlets have suggested that a move to the Emirates Stadium is more likely.

Nevertheless, data analytics specialists SciSports think that Aston Villa needs to sabotage Arsenal’s possible acquisition of Williams this summer.

Nico Williams to Aston Villa?

Williams, 21, is likely to leave Athletic Club this summer due to an estimated €50 million release clause in his current deal.

Many European teams, including Unai Emery’s Villa, who have been linked to a transfer for several months, are eager to finalize a deal at this price.

Williams was even reportedly “intrigued” by the Aston Villa project in October, according to GiveMeSport, and he would consider moving if he departs Athletic.

next their defeat to Manchester United, the Midlands-based team is now fifth in the Premier League standings and still has a chance to make it into the Champions League for the next season.

Williams would be the ideal addition to their team this summer as they will need to bolster it.

Williams might be a great alternative on the left, even if Moussa Diaby and Leon Bailey now play together down the right wing and as Ollie Watkins’ second striker.

Currently, Emery has primarily used John McGinn, Youri Tielemans, or Jacob Ramsey as a central midfielder on the left wing; however, if Villa start to become too predictable in the future, having a player like Williams could be essential.

He has excellent speed and cunning, and he may correct whatever right-wing bias that Villa Park may have. Villa frequently try to establish their footing to go one-on-one with a defender when Diaby or Bailey are on the right, but their offensive strategies on the left are a little different and involve Lucas Digne or Alex Moreno overlapping runs.

Williams’ addition would provide Emery further versatility on the left wing and another explosive attacking player.

Nico Williams’ best transfer destinations, according to SciSports

Williams’ ideal club, according to SciSports, is Villa; other excellent options include Inter Milan, Newcastle United, and West Ham United.

Though joining either team wouldn’t guarantee playing time given Mauricio Pochettino and Arteta’s attacking resources, Chelsea is still a better option than Arsenal.