Nico Williams, the Athletic Bilbao winger, has addressed recent rumors linking him with a move to Arsenal, among other top clubs.
Williams, who has attracted attention from Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta and technical director Edu, has made it clear that his current focus is on the ongoing Euro 2024 tournament with Spain.
Williams has had an impressive season with Athletic Bilbao, scoring eight goals and providing 17 assists in 37 appearances across all competitions.
His versatility as a forward, capable of playing on either wing, makes him a valuable target.
Arsenal’s interest in bolstering their forward line aligns well with Williams’ skill set. His contract with Bilbao includes a €50 million (£42.1 million) release clause, making him a notable option for clubs looking to strengthen their attacking options.
In an interview with El Partidazo de COPE, Williams expressed his satisfaction with his current situation at Athletic Bilbao despite the interest from clubs like Arsenal, Tottenham, and Barcelona.
“I have been quite clear where I want to play next season. Athletic is my home,” Williams said. He added, “I am very happy. I have told my manager that I don’t want to know anything until the Euro cup is over.”
Williams is currently part of Spain’s Euro 2024 squad and played a full 90 minutes in their recent 5-1 victory over Northern Ireland. As the team prepares for their Group B opener against Croatia, Williams remains focused on his national team duties.
Spain is scheduled to face Italy and Albania next, with the goal of advancing to the final on July 14.
Williams’ decision to postpone any discussions about his club future until after Euro 2024 provides a timeline for interested parties. Arsenal, planning their pre-season tour in America for the end of July, might need to wait until after the tournament to advance any negotiations.
As the summer transfer window unfolds, Arsenal will continue to monitor Williams’ situation closely. His commitment to focusing on his international responsibilities before addressing club transfers highlights his professionalism.
This approach means that while Arsenal and other clubs may have to wait, Williams’ potential transfer saga will likely heat up post-Euro 2024.
