Ex-Arsenal player Jermaine Pennant has backed his former club to trigger Nico Williams’ release clause.

It is believed that any team can sign the Spanish international from Athletic Bilbao for between £48m to £50m and speaking exclusively to Gooner News (courtesy of Golden Panda), Pennant said the fee is modest for a player of his ability:

“I think Nico Williams is a fantastic young talent. You saw how good he was at the Euros with Spain.”

“He’s only scored 9 goals and 7 assists this season in all competitions, but again, in a team like Arsenal, who will be dominating a lot of games, who will be creating a lot of chances, I think those figures would definitely be higher than what he’s doing in La Liga.”

“In this day and age, the 48 million release clause, it’s peanuts for internationals. I would say the gamble is definitely worth taking.”

Arsenal held talks with the player’s representatives last week

It was reported last Wednesday that new sporting director Andrea Berta had entered initial discussions with Williams’ agent about a potential move to the Emirates in the summer.

While the transfer fee is not believed to be an issue, agreeing personal terms with the 22-year-old is likely to be more of a challenge. He is already earning in excess of €200,000 a week with Athletic.

Williams could be one of several signings

Manager Mikel Arteta has already suggested that the Gunners will be very busy in the transfer market, stating that it will be a “big summer”.

In addition to targeting Williams, it is believed that Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres features prominently on the club’s list of targets, while they are still hopeful of sealing the signature of Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, who also has a release clause.

Click here to see which Arsenal player Jermaine Pennant would hate to come up against