French champions Paris Saint-Germain could upset many Arsenal fans this summer.
Luis Enrique’s side will be without Kylian Mbappe in the 2024/25 season. The French superstar will play for Real Madrid after joining them on a free transfer.
Arsenal were once linked with a move to sign Mbappe, but every fan of the Emirates Stadium club knew it was never going to happen.
Now, the Gunners, like PSG, are on the market for a new attacker, and the two sides are said to be interested in signing the same player this summer.
PSG want to sign Arsenal target Nico Williams to replace Kylian Mbappe
Nico Williams has become a household name over the last 12 months.
The Spaniard had a terrific 2023/24 season at Athletic Bilbao. He scored eight goals and provided 19 assists in all competitions.
Williams has been very impressive at Euro 2024 for Spain as well. Rio Ferdinand has even branded him as the player of the tournament so far.
A number of clubs have been linked with a move to sign Williams this summer, including Arsenal.
The Gunners could do with a versatile forward – someone who can play on both wings. Williams checks that box, which is why Arsenal are said to be ready to trigger his £49 million release clause.
However, there is a lot of competition for Williams.
Journalist Rudy Galetti has revealed that PSG boss Enrique wants to sign the talented Spaniard to replace Mbappe at Parc des Princes.
Chelsea are also interested in the winger.
The journalist tweeted: “PSG are always among the clubs interested in Nico Williams. Luis Enrique – to replace Mbappe – prioritized a new winger, given that, as a striker, he would like to bet on Kolo Muani and Goncalo Ramos more.”
Two reasons why Arsenal are unlikely to sign Williams
Williams is destined to move to a top club, and it’s only a matter of time before that happens.
The Spaniard would be a great signing for Arsenal. He possesses ‘electric‘ pace, can take players on, score goals and provide assists on a consistent basis. Gunners fans will love him.
However, Arsenal already have Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard on the left flank and Bukayo Saka on the opposite side of the pitch.
There’s no way Williams is getting into the side ahead of Saka, and he will need to do well to displace the two wingers on the left wing as well.
At PSG, he will be a guaranteed starter from the first day.
Secondly, reports have claimed that Williams is demanding an eye-watering £300,000-a-week wages – that’s higher than every single player at Arsenal. We just can’t see Arteta and Edu handing him that.
PSG, on the other hand, may well give him what he wants this summer.
For those reasons, we think Arsenal are extremely unlikely to sign Williams in this window. But, football is a funny game and stranger things have happened in the past.