Arteta made the correct decision by not replacing Martinelli with Nico Williams during the summer transfer window…

Arteta’s decision to maintain Martinelli rather than acquire Nico Williams in the summer was certainly a wise one.

The decision by Arteta to forgo replacing Martinelli with Nico Williams in the summer was undoubtedly appropriate.

By keeping Martinelli, Arteta ensured continuity in the team’s attacking strategy.

Throughout the summer, Arsenal was in pursuit of a dynamic winger to challenge Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli for their positions.

While the club ultimately secured Raheem Sterling, Nico Williams was also a player of interest.

In the 2023-24 season, Williams excelled, leading Athletic Bilbao to an impressive league performance with 8 goals and 19 assists in 37 matches.

His remarkable contributions were further highlighted during the Euros, where he played a pivotal role in Spain’s success, scoring twice and showcasing his dribbling skills and ability to take on defenders, which significantly contributed to Spain’s dominance.

Following his standout season and Euro 24 performances, many clubs were eager to acquire him, and his £47 million release clause was certainly appealing.

However, reports suggested that his salary expectations deterred teams like Arsenal. With Williams remaining at Bilbao, is there a reason to feel regret over his absence from Arsenal?

This season, Williams has not made a significant impact, managing only one goal and no assists in eight matches across all competitions.

If he were in Martinelli’s position, he might be viewed as underperforming. In contrast, despite facing scrutiny over the summer, the Brazilian winger has already recorded a goal and two assists, indicating a positive trajectory.

While the initial plan may have involved Williams stepping in for Martinelli, it is evident that this would not have represented an improvement.

It is easy to overlook the value of what we already possess when enticed by new prospects, yet every player can go through a rough patch.

Williams’ decision not to join Arsenal should not be a source of regret.