Arsenal issued clear Nico Williams transfer demand in middle of Spain vs France
Nico Williams starred for Spain as they edged France 5-4 in a thrilling Nations League semi-final, with Arsenal fans making their feelings regarding the winger clear
Arsenal fans have urged their club to sign Nico Williams this summer after the winger starred in Spain's sensational defeat of France in the Nations League semi-finals. La Roja claimed a thrilling 5-4 win over Les Bleus in Stuttgart to set up a clash with Portugal in Sunday's final.
Williams opened the scoring for the Euro 2024 champions midway through the first-half. Lamine Yamal found space on the right before finding Mikel Oyarzabal in the area.
The midfielder managed to pick out Williams, who smashed his shot high into the net. That opened the floodgates, with Yamal himself scoring twice, while Arsenal's Mikel Merino and Barcelona star Pedri each notched a goal apiece.
While Merino scored, it was Williams who caught the eye of Gunners supporters. The winger has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates this summer as Mikel Arteta looks to boost his options in attack.
The Premier League side are struggling to stump up the hefty fee Athletic Bilbao are demanding though. But Gunners fans have now urged club chiefs to find any way possible to bring Williams to the club.
One said: " Arsenal get me Nico Williams." Another added: "Arsenal please do all you can to trigger Nico Williams release clause before he signs that new contract. Too good a player."
A third wrote: "Nico Williams is so good man he's running this game right now chance after chance so direct. I need Nico Williams at Arsenal." A fourth said: "Nico Williams is NEEDED at Arsenal asap."
A fifth added: "The more I watch Nico Williams the more I think Arsenal should pay his wages." While a sixth concluded: "Arsenal need to active Nico Williams release clause tonight, this is the perfect LW for this current Arsenal system."
Williams enjoyed a fine night in Stuttgart, adding to his goal by delivering the assist for Pedri's goal. That put Spain four goals up, with manager Luis de la Fuente making a raft of changes.
But that allowed France back into the game and they came roaring back. First Kylian Mbappe slotted in a penalty, before Rayan Chekri produced a wonder strike after Yamal's second goal.
An own-goal from Daniel Vivian made the game even closer before Randal Kolo Muani headed in in the fourth minute of injury time. Spain were ultimately indebted to keeper Unai Simon, who pulled off a series of impressive saves.
Spain survived late pressure from France to secure the winner, sending them into the final where they will face Portugal. La Roja are looking to win the competition for the second successive campaign, having previously lifted the trophy in 2023.
The Nations League had a fallow year while Euro 2024 was played, with Spain also winning that tournament. They will take on bitter rivals Portugal in Munich after they defeated hosts Germany in the other semi-final.
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