Arsenal and Chelsea target 'reminds me of Cristiano Ronaldo' - Rooney

Cameron Smith

• 13 Jul 2024 20:45 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has admitted that Nico Williams reminds him of a young Cristiano Ronaldo.

Williams, 22, has been one of the standout players at Euro 2024 and he will take centre stage when Spain face England in Sunday night’s final.

The Athletic Club winger notched 16 goal contributions in LaLiga last season and he has continued that form in Germany.

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Chelsea and Arsenal have both been heavily linked with a move for Williams in recent months, and he is reportedly their top target as they both search for a new winger.

However, a move to Barcelona seems more probable as things stand, with Joan Laporta publicly admitting that the Blaugrana are able to afford the Spaniard’s €58 million release clause.

Rooney has now had his say on Williams in a written column for The Times ahead of the Euro 2024 final.

READ MORE: LaLiga president gives Barcelona green light to sign Nico Williams

“Williams, for me, is exceptional,” the Man Utd legend wrote. “He reminds me of Cristiano Ronaldo when Cristiano was young.

“He’s a big lad, he’ll take the ball and sometimes tries too much but usually makes the right decisions.

“He is an incredible threat in one-on-one situations and scores goals as well. England need to be really careful with him.”

Marc Cucurella wants Nico Williams to join Chelsea

Marc Cucurella, who has been linked with a Chelsea exit over the past few weeks, recently admitted that he would love Williams to join him at Stamford Bridge.

The pair have formed a formidable left flank at Euro 2024 and Cucurella is eager for his Spain team-mate to secure a move to west London.

The 25-year-old told Spanish outlet Sport: “He [Williams] is a great player. He is bringing out all his potential. He is a source of pride that he is on our team, that he is our teammate and with players like him everything is easier.

“He would be a great signing, but it all depends on what he wants to do. I'm pushing him to sign for Chelsea. In the end, it all depends on him. He's very young, with a lot of experience, and I think he'll be a great player.”