Nico Williams has explained why he decided to stay at Athletic Club last summer, despite interest from the likes of Arsenal and Barcelona.
ROME, ITALY - MARCH 06: Nico Williams of Athletic Club looks on as he warms up prior to the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Round of 16 First Leg match between AS Roma and Athletic Club at Stadio Olimpico on March 06, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images
Nico Williams was the subject of plenty of transfer interest last summer, after a strong season with Athletic Club followed by a European Championships-winning tournament with Spain.
The winger appeared to be primarily interested in a move to Barcelona, but Arsenal were also after him. Williams ultimately decided to stay where he was, and he’s explained why in an interview this month.
“This relationship we have at the heart of the club is incredible,” Williams said. “Everyone respects everyone else, which is incredible. This atmosphere, I’ll never have it anywhere else. I decided to stay because of that.
“I took the decision I thought was the right one. I’m happy, and I’m trying to do my best.”
PAMPLONA, SPAIN - DECEMBER 21: Nico Williams of Athletic Club warms up prior to the LaLiga match between CA Osasuna and Athletic Club at Estadio El Sadar on December 21, 2024 in Pamplona, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images
It appears likely Arsenal will be in for Williams again this summer. Bild journalist Christian Falk reports that the Gunners are in contact with the player’s representatives, aware of a release clause in his current contract.
The Athletic previously wrote that Williams delayed a potential Premier League transfer last summer as a result of his desire to move to Barcelona. But with Barcelona ‘unlikely’ to be in for him this summer, the player is now more open to a move to England.
David Ornstein reported in the January transfer window that Mikel Arteta wanted to sign Williams immediately, bringing him in as a winter signing.
But the finances involved made that highly unlikely, and it didn’t end up going ahead. As well as paying the release clause upfront (as is required in Spain), Williams would also be asking for a high salary.
LEGANES, SPAIN: Nico Williams of Athletic Club warms up prior to the LaLiga match between CD Leganes and Athletic Club at Estadio Municipal de Butarque on September 19, 2024. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images
Williams has nine goals and seven assists in 37 appearances for Athletic Club this season, and he’s currently away with the Spanish national team for the March break alongside David Raya and Mikel Merino.
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