Nico Williams Claims He Said ‘No’ to Potential Arsenal Move

Nico Williams has confirmed he rejected the chance to join Arsenal, insisting his heart has always been set on staying at Athletic Club.

The Spain international has been one of Europe’s most sought-after wingers since starring in his country’s Euro 2024 triumph, and he added a World Cup winner’s medal to his collection this summer. However, speaking after Athletic’s 4-0 win over Getafe at the weekend, the 24-year-old made clear he has no intention of leaving the Basque Country.

‘I’ve never doubted being here. I’ve had countless offers,’ Williams said. ‘I could have left, and I’ve always been clear about staying here. My intention to be here cannot be questioned.

‘I told Barcelona, Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, and many others 'no', because I want to be here. I hope people understand.’

The comments come after his agent, Félix Tainta, sparked debate earlier this month by naming Arsenal among a host of clubs who tried to sign the winger after Euro 2024, alongside Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Liverpool and PSG. Speaking on the Los Fulanos podcast, Tainta also suggested Williams had considered leaving because of his ambition, a claim the player has now firmly rejected.

‘Felix was wrong with what he said, things aren’t like that,’ Williams added. ‘The final decision is made by me, my brother, and the family. What happens at home, only the three of us know.’

Barcelona came closest to landing him. The Catalan club were reportedly ready to trigger his €58million release clause in the summer of 2025, only for Williams to commit his future to Athletic until 2035 amid uncertainty over whether Barça could register him.

Mikel Arteta’s side were heavily linked with Vinícius Júnior this summer before the Brazilian signed a new deal at Real Madrid, and after the departures of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, Christos Tzolis was the only senior winger to arrive.

That lack of depth has been exposed in recent weeks. Tzolis has been sidelined with a hamstring injury, and Bukayo Saka’s withdrawal against Bayern Munich has left Arteta relying heavily on Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze in wide areas.

Williams, meanwhile, has struggled to fully kick on at club level since his Euro 2024 breakthrough, with injuries and inconsistent form limiting him to just 18 goals in all competitions in that time.

Arsenal return to action against Fleetwood Town in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday.