The press in Spain have now rated the performance that Arsenal target Nico Williams put in against Georgia on Sunday.
Spain secured passage to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 with a 4-1 win against Georgia in Cologne.
However, that scoreline perhaps belies the true nature of the game. Spain were made to work hard by Georgia. The underdogs were even able to take the lead, and the scores were still level at half-time.
It wasn’t until Nico Williams put his country 3-1 up with 75 minutes on the clock that the game seemed to be put to bed. The 21-year-old winger deserved a goal for his efforts on the night too, as he maintained the sparkling form that he has produced in Germany so far this summer.
Arsenal are known to hold an interest in signing Williams. The Athletic Bilbao attacker would certainly represent an exciting addition to Mikel Arteta’s squad. He is comfortable playing on either flank, where he offers blistering speed, creativity, flair, and an eye for goal.
Arsenal fan Piers Morgan has now urged Arteta to sign Williams this summer. If he were to arrive at the Emirates Stadium then he would offer competition to both Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka, and would make the Gunners an even more potent force in the final third.
However, for now, the player’s full focus will be on representing Spain at the Euros, and his future at club level will have to wait until he is back from Germany.
Spanish media hail Arsenal target Nico Williams after display v Georgia
The press in Spain were certainly impressed by the performance that the winger produced against Georgia.
Mundo Deportivo described him as “explosive” and summed up his performance with: “Another display of speed and dribbling from the Athletic winger. He was a real storm in attack and even had the strength to help in defence. He scored his first goal in the tournament after a great play that culminated with a great finish.”
Sport rated Williams at an 8/10 and said: “He challenged his rivals, faced them and shot at goal. He did everything to ensure Spain always had a solution on the left flank. He sealed the match with a trademark goal. Power, quality and definition.”
El Des Marque awarded Williams a 9/10 for his display and added: “One of the standouts. He was unbalanced on the left flank and, finally, he found the reward of a goal. What am I saying, goal, great goal!”
He was given another 9/10 by Goal, who stated: “He is very good, and even more so when he has space. He had it after the 2-1 and that is why he scored the third. He gave another to Dani Olmo, who missed. A machine for creating danger on the left in the second half. He is having a tremendous Eurocup.”
Do Arsenal need Williams?
Williams would represent an exceptional signing for Arsenal. However, his arrival could cause problems in North London. For a start, Leandro Trossard and Martinelli may struggle for game time were the Spaniard to join.
Martinelli needs minutes to get back to his best, whilst Trossard has had a fractious relationship with Arteta in the past when he hasn’t been playing regularly.
On top of that, Arsenal have been warned that Williams’ high wage demands could cause issues in the dressing room.
