Poll reveals how Arsenal fans feel about potentially signing Nico Williams | OneFootball

Arsenal are one of a number of leading European clubs to have been linked with Athletic Club winger Nico Williams, who played a starring role for Spain at Euro 2024.

The 22-year-old, alongside Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal, was absolutely unstoppable at times in Germany, showing blistering pace, ability on the ball and a composure beyond his tender years.

Williams has been tipped for big things ever since he broke into Athletic's first team three years ago, but now seems to be the time for him to flee the nest and join a heavyweight European club.

Barcelona have been strongly linked with Williams and are even reported to have agreed personal terms over a move to Camp Nou, while Chelsea's and Liverpool's names have cropped up time and time again in conversations about his future.

But it's Arsenal who perhaps would benefit from signing Williams most, adding the flying winger to a forward line that already boasts some sensationally talented players - Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli to name just two.

A €58m (£49m) release clause written into the new contract he signed in December 2023 means Williams is very affordable in today's climate, and a poll conducted by 90min suggests an overwhelming majority would like to see the club immediately activate it.

Nico Williams poses with the European Championship trophy / Marvin Ibo Guengoer - GES Sportfoto/GettyImages

Almost 80% of the near 30,000 supporters asked whether or not Arsenal should pay up said yes, highlighting just how high Williams' stock is after his exceptional showing at Euro 2024.

Williams could yet end up walking through the arrivals door at Emirates Stadium, where he'd likely be greeted by Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori, who is closing in on a move to Arsenal worth just shy of £40m.

The versatile Calafiori, who can play at centre-back or left-back, was another player to impress at this summer's Euros, building on a tremendously successful club season that saw Bologna surprisingly qualify for this season's Champions League.

Calafiori is in line to join a strong defensive unit led by William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and Ben White, with Mikel Arteta's options stregthened further by Jurrien Timber's return to full fitness. The Dutchman missed almost the entirety of the 2023/24 season after injuring his ACL on the opening day, but he is now closing on a return to action after successfully completing his rehabilitation.