Also exactly what we need in terms of how he played against a low block yesterday. That's really what did it for me. We all knew the speed and control, but he's not just a counter-attacking threat. He is what I hoped (and still do to some extent) Martinelli would become. Would also free up Saka on the other side.
Wishlist 2022/2023
We probably won't get Nico because of his wage demands. Marty should be taking notes how to improve his game from Nico cos they are so damned similar in profile, right down to the tendency to do everything but get the goal/assist.
I get the concerns over the wage demands and I agree with them to an extent but if you can get a player like him in, you do it. I think the bigger issue is that I am not sure he wants to leave Bilbao - he's been pretty outspoken about that recently and does not sound like he's got one foot out the door at all. Of course that could just be him being nice to his boyhood club that has treated his family very well but I do think it's going to be tough to get him out of La Liga. The more he tears up the Euros, the easier the conversation is internally over him becoming a top 3-4 wage earner at Arsenal though.
What I absolutely love about him is his ability on both feet. He's very ambipedal and having players who are able to strike through the ball on either foot on both wings with him and Saka would make our attack very unpredictable and dynamic. He's definitely not as technical as Saka (but few are) but he's got far more pace and can break away from defenders more easily due to that. I really hope we can get him - he'd be perfect.
He's on £170k a week. Not exactly on massive money but I am guessing he'd want at least £200k. Not exactly out of budget and if he is coming with a lower transfer fee that could be made up with a signing on bonus or something.
He's really good mates with Yamal and I think he wants to join Barca at some point so it comes down that. Bilbao will want that whole release clause paid in one payment which will make it trickier for some clubs. I think they're very firm on that.
Clrnc Nico Williams is more developed than I thought. Extremely dynamic and ridiculous speed of turn and power. Must get
Agreed, only seen clips of him before.
If you're looking to see what he can do, check out the Copa del Rey matches he played in towards the end of the tourney. He was easily the best player on the field throughout and just tore defenders to shreds in transition and in settled play. His burst from a standstill is incredible - very similar to Neto.
samthegooner I get the concerns over the wage demands and I agree with them to an extent but if you can get a player like him in, you do it.
He's not Mbappe. He's a good player but he's not quite there and if you bring him in on huge money the expectation if he actually realises the potential will be for a big wage increase. You have to be smart with these deals. He's looked pretty good at the Euros but he's not tearing up La Liga yet so doesn't warrant breaking the bank for. TBH he's probably right to stay where he is for another year. A massive move to the PL would be a lot of pressure.
Last season 31 games, 5 goals and 14 assists. The assist numbers are very good but looking at him play he can definitely push on with goals.
He is a great talent and I think it is important though to make sure he fits around our wage structure. Like I said give him a signing on bonus if he is coming for reasonable money but if you put him on parity with the top players it can cause disharmony in the squad.
Also we have one of the best projects in world football right now, attracting players like him and getting to work without our structure imo should be possible. If he just wants the money then move on, there are others but I've seen no indication that he is only motivated by money.
Qwiss I'd argue he tore up La Liga for a good portion of 2024 - what you're seeing in the Euros was a pretty game in, game out pattern since the start of the year in terms of skipping past his man for fun and putting in a lot of very teasing balls. He definitely needs to add more goals to his game but he's been on the uptick and his finishing encourages me.
I don't think he should be on Mbappe wages but making him one of our top 5 earners right off the bat shouldn't be something that kills the deal IMO.
samthegooner what he's looking for would put him above Ode, Saka, etc and a top 3 player at Arsenal. We are already trying to offload Jesus who's one of that 3.
Really liking what I've been seeing of Sesko this Euros. Not being able to get him may be a miss for us.
Yep looks very good. Bit raw and snatchy with his finishing at times though
Guys left wing spot - Williams or Leao?
lorddulaarsenal If price and wages were not a factor? I'd take Nico.
lorddulaarsenal for sure Nico.
i have two words for all this talk about nico's wages: kai havertz.
nico williams is a better prospect than him and will add more value to our team.
Coombs I think it is down to them only having Basque players in the squad so they need to pay big money to keep them.
If it is £300k he wants then we move on, he might be worth that one day but he isn't worth messing with our wage structure for.
Big Willie Really liking what I've been seeing of Sesko this Euros. Not being able to get him may be a miss for us.
You can see why so many clubs were trying for him but you have to respect he wanted to stay. Probably for the best from his perspective, he still needs a bit of time to really hit the next level and he'll get that time if he stays.