Arsenal was one of the clubs interested in signing Nico Williams at the start of this season, following his impressive performances that helped Spain win Euro 2024. The Gunners have been tracking the winger for some time, but his standout display at the Euros further increased their desire to add him to their squad.
Mikel Arteta, a long-time admirer of Williams, was keen to bring him into the team for this campaign. Barcelona was another club that made a strong push to sign the winger, but Williams ultimately chose to remain at Athletic Bilbao for another season. This decision came as a surprise to many, considering the size of the clubs interested in him compared to Bilbao.
However, Williams is content with his current situation, and there is even a possibility that he could spend his entire career at Bilbao, much like his older brother, who has been with the club for several years.
When asked about his decision to stay at Bilbao despite the interest from top clubs, Williams explained, as quoted by Goal:
“This relationship we have at the heart of the club is incredible. 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.”
Williams is undoubtedly a talented player, and should the opportunity arise, adding him to the squad would undoubtedly be a great move for Arsenal. His loyalty and happiness at Bilbao are clear, but if he ever decides to move, the Gunners would surely benefit from his quality and potential.
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He’s on the mountain top at Bilbao and apparently simply doesn’t want to leave his comfort zone for a new challenge given what he sees as the potential benefits and risks of doing so. I would not be surprised to actually see us go after him but imo given his hesitancy, it would be a mistake to offer wages and long-term contract significant enough to temp him to come. Just my opinion but I see him as having only a 50/50 chance of providing enough long-term impact for us in the PL.
Wise words BB.A risk not worth taking.I would prefer Semenyo at Bournemouth or Sarr of Palace who has been consistently vg this season.Either can play wide or through the middle and would bring another dimension to our attack.
I have been watching him in La Liga games since heroics for Spain at the Euros 2024 and my feeling is that something just isn’t the same with him. It’s either the interests from clubs is distracting him or he’s been sussed out.
If the latter is the case, then the EPL may not be the league for him as defenders in the English league live on stopping tricky players, especially one whose heart may not be in it.
Judging by his comments it’s obvious he’s happy being a big fish in a small pond and that’s okay if that’s what he wants. We should steer well clear.
I don’t think I rate him that much anyway.
I did not see where he denied to join Arsenal, please open my etes
I agree with you.
In my opinion, we should forget about this William guy and go try to sign Rodrygo from Real Madrid.
Better end product in my opinion.
You are correct
300k a week and guy doesnt seem like an improvement over Martinelli. Begging we dont go for him in the summer.