Arsenal are having an exciting summer transfer window, but they have still had a fair bit of frustration this summer.
Indeed, while the Gunners are getting some good business done – they’ve signed both Kepa Arrizabalaga and Martin Zubimendi already, while Viktor Gyokeres looks set to sign, they’ve also had a bit of disappointment.
Alexander Isak was Arsenal’s dream target heading into the summer, but that deal doesn’t appear to be possible now.
Meanwhile, Nico Williams was expected to sign for Arsenal at one point, but now, the winger has signed a new 10-year deal with Athletic Club.
According to Dean Jones, speaking on the Ranks FC Ultras Podcast, Arsenal are actually quietly satisfied that Williams is staying in Bilbao, claiming that the Gunners actually walked away from this deal quite early.
Athletic Club v Rangers FC - UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second Leg
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Arsenal quietly happy to see Nico Williams staying at Athletic Club
Jones shared what he’s heard about Arsenal and Nico Williams.
According to the journalist, Arsenal are happy to see Williams staying at Athletic Club, as they’re rather smug about the fact they didn’t waste much time pursuing this deal.
Williams was strongly linked to Arsenal, but it would appear the Gunners didn’t actively pursue this deal as strongly as some suggested.
“I think Arsenal are quite relieved because they actually walked away from this quite early. They were never convinced he would leave Athletic anyway, so when he didn’t sign for Barcelona in the end there was definitely some quiet satisfaction that they didn’t waste any more time on that one. There was always doubts on that one because he has so much love and loyalty towards the Basque region, so they thought ‘he wouldn’t have joined us anyway if he’s not joining Barcelona,’” Jones said.
Nico Williams has signed a 10-year deal with Athletic Club, and that is a unique bit of history.
Indeed, a 10-year deal is almost unprecedented at the top-level, and Williams is now the longest-contracted player in all of world football.
Longest contracts in football Expiry date
Nico Williams 2035
Erling Haaland 2034
Cole Palmer 2033
Nicolas Jackson 2033
Oihan Sancet 2032
Williams had a £55m release clause in his previous contract, but that has now been overwritten in his new deal, and it’s highly unlikely that the winger will now be leaving his club anytime soon.
As for Arsenal, their search for a new left-winger is ongoing and Rodrygo has been strongly linked to Arsenal in recent times.