Chelsea and Arsenal have both scouted 21-year-old Spanish winger

Chelsea and Arsenal scout Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams

The interest from Arsenal and Chelsea in Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams signals the recognition of his burgeoning talent and potential impact in the Premier League.

According to renowned transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano [h/t CaughtOffside], both clubs have been closely monitoring Williams, with Romano expressing confidence in the Spaniard’s ability to thrive in the English top flight.

“Arsenal have also sent their scouts to follow Nico Williams of Athletic Bilbao multiple times, and it’s the same for Chelsea as they included him in the list last summer,”

“The race is completely open, and nothing is advanced with either club so far. He’d be great in the Premier League in my opinion – a physical and technical player; very good one.”

Williams’ profile as a player makes him an enticing prospect for top clubs. At just 21 years old, he possesses a blend of attributes that are highly valued in modern football. His combination of blistering pace, physicality, and technical skill has already made him a standout performer in La Liga, catching the eye of scouts from across Europe. Moreover, he can play seamlessly on either wing, making him an attractive prospect.

Chelsea and Arsenal scout Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams.
Chelsea and Arsenal scout Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams.

Williams to the Blues?

For Arsenal, bolstering their attacking options is a priority to provide adequate support for key players like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. Williams’ versatility and quality in the final third could offer the Gunners valuable depth and creativity, allowing them to rotate their forward line more effectively and maintain consistency throughout the season.

Similarly, Chelsea are in need of reinforcements in attack, particularly on the wings. With inconsistent performances from some of their current wingers, such as Mykhaylo Mudryk and Noni Madueke, the addition of a player of Williams’ caliber could provide a significant boost to their squad depth and quality in the wide areas.

Williams’ impressive statistical output further underscores his potential impact. With five goals and ten assists in 24 appearances across all competitions, he has demonstrated his ability to both score and create goals, showcasing his versatility and attacking threat. Moreover, at just 21, he still has ample room for growth and development, suggesting that his best years are still ahead of him.

Nico Williams is a top-class player with a very high ceiling.
Nico Williams is a top-class player with a very high ceiling.

The allure of the Premier League could be a major draw for Williams, offering him the opportunity to test himself in one of the most competitive and high-profile leagues in the world. The physicality and intensity of English football could suit his playing style, allowing him to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

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However, securing Williams’ signature won’t be straightforward, as both Arsenal and Chelsea will face competition from other suitors vying for his services. The race for his signature is likely to intensify as the transfer window approaches, with clubs across Europe keen to add a player of his talent and potential to their squads. As the two Premier League giants vie for his signature, Williams has the opportunity to take his career to the next level and make a significant impact on the English football scene.