Ex-Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit says Gunners could chase signature of Marcus Rashford – but also names an alternative summer transfer target as his number one option
Emmanuel Petit wants Arsenal to try again for Nico Williams, naming the Athletic Club winger as a summer target.
— Arsenal News Channel (@Arsenalnewschan) June 2026
The future of Marcus Rashford is set to dominate the Summer transfer window and he has been linked with a move to Arsenal – though Emmanuel Petit believes the gunners should look elsewhere.
Rashford is set to return to Manchester United after the conclusion of England’s World Cup exploits in North America but his future at Old Trafford under new manager Michael Carrick remains up in the air.
Rashford spent last season on-loan at the Camp Nou but a return to Barcelona looks unlikely after the Catalan giants secured the signature of Anthony Gordon from Newcastle for a reported £70m.
That has seen Rashford linked with a switch elsewhere in the Premier League and while the reigning Premier league champions could be an option, former midfielder Petit believes Nico Williams of Athletic Bilbao should be Mikel Arteta’s priority in the transfer market.
Petit, speaking to BetVictor Live Casino, said: “For Arsenal, I have another player in mind. Arsenal were fighting to get him last season during the transfer market. It’s Nico Williams. He was targeted by Barcelona too and he stayed at his club.
“I remember him during the last Euros when they won it with Spain. They had Lamine Yamal as a right winger and Nico Williams as a left winger. Both guys were amazing. He’s so powerful in terms of dribbling. This guy can bring such a huge improvement for Arsenal if they’re able to get him.
“I also look at Rashford. He had a good season in Barcelona. He looks very fit. He’s very powerful with his legs and you can see the same Rashford as when he started his career, with the same ambition and anger on the pitch. This is something I really like with him.
“When he’s got this mentality, because he’s got quality, he can be a nightmare for defenders. I’ve seen it so many times during this season. He is on a mission. He wants to come back to the way he was before. This is something very important for a manager of a club. Rashford can be a very good addition to the squad, but my first option would be Nico Williams.
“Nico Williams for one hundred million release clause? Well, if he can bring Arsenal to the next level, I don’t mind because Declan Rice was a similar price and he has improved his team a lot.
“For top players that can improve your team, you have to put that sort of money on the table.”
