“He is the player of the round” - Rio Ferdinand salutes ‘electric’ Arsenal target for Euro 2024 display

Rio Ferdinand has saluted Arsenal target Nico Williams following his recent performance for Spain at Euro 2024. The talented winger is one of the most exciting prospects in the world and has been linked with a move to the Gunners this summer.

The 21-year-old has played 122 times for his boyhood club Athletic Bilbao, scoring 20 times and assisting 26 goals. Williams' performances for the Basque club helped them secure the Copa Del Rey last season, drawing the attention of clubs across the continent.

Williams has continued to impress on international duty with Spain at Euro 2024, with his pace and trickery making him a joy to watch. Rio Ferdinand was complimentary of the winger on a recent episode of his podcast, saying:

"The pace is electric. The pace is electric. I love him. I think he is the player of the round,”

Arsenal are reportedly keen to pay the Spanish winger's £49 million release clause this summer and bring him in to bolster their ranks (via TBR Football). For now, the winger will be focused on Euro 2024, with La Roja through to the knockout stages and keen to win the title for the fourth time in their history.

---

Arsenal keeper praised by Spanish press for heroics against Albania in Euro 2024

Arsenal keeper David Raya was impressive for Spain yesterday when they faced Albania in their final group game of Euro 2024. The reigning Premier League Golden Glove winner was impossible to get past despite the best efforts of his opponents and made five saves to secure a 1-0 win for La Roja.

Unai Simon often starts for Spain, but with qualification to the knockout round secured, manager Luis de la Fuente gave Raya a chance to start and he delivered a strong performance.

Catalan newspaper La Vanguardia was delighted with Raya's performance and gave him a 9/10 rating after the match, summarizing:

“It will be difficult for De la Fuente to choose a goalkeeper. He [Raya] was used hard to stop Asllani on the two most dangerous occasions in Albania. He closed his great performance by blocking a shot from Broja,”

Another publication El Desmarque gave the Arsenal shot-stopper a 9/10, writing:

“The Arsenal goalkeeper made three stops of great merit, he took advantage of Luis de la Fuente’s opportunity to show that he can compete with Unai Simón. In addition, he demonstrated his good game with his feet,”

Raya will hope his performances will be enough to see him add to his six caps for La Roja by making more appearances at Euro 2024.