Arsenal & Chelsea face major competition for Leao clone

Cameron Smith

10 Mar 2024 16:11 CDT
3 min read

Rafael Leao, Arsenal, Chelsea, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Tottenham Hotspur may rival Arsenal and Chelsea in the race to sign Athletic Club wonderkid Nico Williams, according to reports.

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Williams, 21, is regarded as one of Europe’s most elite young talents and he has been heavily linked with a Premier League transfer this summer.

The Spain international signed a new contract with Athletic Club in December - which now runs until 2027 - but a move away remains a possibility at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.

Williams has six goals and 12 assists in 28 appearances so far this season and he is being chased by numerous top European clubs.

Furthermore, Tottenham are now considering a move for the young Spaniard, according to The Mirror.

Chelsea and Arsenal are known admirers of Williams and their London rivals are toying with the idea of lodging a bid this summer.

Ange Postecoglou’s side signed Timo Werner on loan from RB Leipzig in January, although it remains to be seen if that deal is made permanent. Williams can play on either flank and his directness is currently a huge asset for Athletic Club.

Nico Williams: Rafael Leao lite?

According to data analytics experts SciSports, Williams has over a 90% similarity to AC Milan superstar Rafael Leao, who has also been linked with a mega-money summer transfer.

The Portuguese international has four goals and seven assists in Serie A this season and has been heavily touted as a possible replacement for Real Madrid-bound Kylian Mbappe at Paris Saint-Germain.

Arsenal and Chelsea have also been linked with a move previously, although it seems as though a Premier League transfer may be unlikely at this stage.

Both players are direct wingers who excel in one-vs-one situations out wide as it enables them to use their close control and speed to expert effect.

Tottenham already have Brennan Johnson who fits this profile, but Williams would be a significant upgrade on the Welshman and may be key if Spurs qualify for next season’s Champions League.