It’s only June, and Arsenal have already been in more than their fair share of transfer sagas.
The big one has undoubtedly focused on the potential deal for Benjamin Sesko and, by extension, Viktor Gyokeres, who looks like the backup option.
Then there was the questionable jeopardy around the deal for Martin Zubimendi and the potential hijack from Real Madrid, which has thankfully been quashed by the likes of Fabrizio Romano and Sami Mokbel.
Finally, another saga that followed the club from last season concerned Nico Williams. Although recent reports are to be believed, Arsenal might now be looking at someone who’d be a better deal than the Spaniard.
Arsenal's search for a Williams alternative
The first serious links to Williams for Arsenal emerged last summer, off the back of a brilliant season for Athletic Bilbao and then a sensational European Championships with Spain.
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However, even though nothing came of the Gunners’ supposed interest in the talented winger, links reappeared in the winter window and again in a big way earlier this summer.
Unfortunately, the dynamic 22-year-old has understandably caught the attention of several other top sides, and based on stories from the last week or so, it looks like he’ll be making his way to Spanish champions Barcelona this summer.
While it’s never ideal to miss out on a player as exciting as Williams, it’s not all doom and gloom, as the North Londoners now appear to be interested in someone who could be a better deal than the Bilbao gem: Noni Madueke.
At least that is according to a recent report from the Independent’s Chief Football Writer, Miguel Delaney, who has revealed that Arsenal are interested in the Chelsea winger.
In fact, the report claims that the Gunners have already made contact with the Blues over a potential move for the former Spurs academy star.
However, there is a sticking point: the West Londoners want up to £50m for the 23-year-old, which is a figure Andrea Berta and Co are not interested in going near.
It could be a complicated and somewhat costly transfer, but given Madueke’s ability and potential, it’s one worth pursuing, especially as he could be a far better deal than Williams.
Why Madueke could be a better deal than Williams
Now, it should go without saying that signing either winger would help add more dynamism to Arsenal’s attack next season, but there are a few reasons why Madueke might end up proving a better deal than Williams, and the first relates to experience.
The Englishman might only be a year older than the Spaniard, but that is not the experience we are discussing here. Instead, we are talking about the former’s familiarity with the Premier League.
This is seriously important for the Gunners as they desperately need whoever they sign this summer to come in and hit the ground running next season, as fans and pundits alike have already made it crystal clear that they expect Arteta and Co to finally get over the line in the league.
The Bilbao gem might be more than comfortable in La Liga and would likely become so in England, but there’s a realistic chance that he would require some time to bed in, time which could prove costly in a closely fought title race.
Moreover, despite the excitement around the Pamplona-born dynamo, the Blues star’s output from this season actually makes for better reading.
Appearances
43
45
Minutes
2521′
3130′
Goals
11
11
Assists
5
7
Goal Involvements per Match
0.37
0.4
Minutes per Goal Involvement
157.56′
173.88′
For example, in 43 appearances, totalling 2521 minutes, the Barnet-born “mentality monster,” as dubbed by personal coach Saul Isaksson-Hurst, scored 11 goals and provided five assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.68 games, or every 157.56 minutes.
In contrast, the 28-capped Spaniard scored as many goals and provided seven assists in 45 appearances, totalling 3130 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.5 games, but more crucially, one every 173.88 minutes.
Yet, if even that is not enough to convince you, then perhaps the fact the Chelsea gem has the better underlying numbers might.
Yes, according to FBref, the “unbelievable” dynamo, as dubbed by former manager Mauricio Pochettino, comes out on top in the majority of relevant metrics, such as non-penalty expected goals plus assists, shots and shots on target, progressive carries and more, all per 90.
Non-Penalty Expected G+As
0.61
0.35
Progressive Passes
3.05
3.11
Progressive Carries
6.81
5.32
Shots
3.54
2.43
Shots on Target
1.33
0.86
Passing Accuracy
77.4%
70.5%
Key Passes
1.42
1.80
Shot-Creating Actions
3.50
5.05
Tackles
1.11
1.26
Interceptions
0.44
0.32
Clearances
0.49
0.41
Successful Take-On %
44.1%
36.4%
Carries into the Penalty Area
4.12
2.61
On top of being a creative outlet through his carrying and passing abilities, the former PSV gem also comes out ahead for some defensive statistics, proving that he’s not just a flair player but someone who will come back and help out his full-back when needed.
Ultimately, Williams is an undeniable talent and perhaps someone easier to envision becoming a superstar.
Nonetheless, from output to the numbers under the hood, Madueke has him beat, and considering his familiarity with English football and the Premier League, he might just represent a better deal for Arsenal this summer.
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