Nico Williams has emerged as a top target for Arsenal for this summer’s transfer window, but the Spain international has now sparked concern for Mikel Arteta by speaking out on his future
Arsenal’s hopes of signing Nico Williams in this summer’s transfer window may have been dealt a major blow. Williams has emerged as a top target for the Gunners after playing a key role in Spain’s Euro 2024 win and is much admired at the Emirates.
He has also been a key man for Athletic Bilbao, helping them to win the Copa del Rey last season. They have a chance of winning more silverware this campaign, having beaten Rangers to set up a Europa League semi-final against Manchester United.
They are also going well in La Liga, currently sitting fourth in the table, with a comfortable cushion in the race for Champions League qualification. But suitors are again starting to circle with the 22-year-old entering the final two years of his contract.
That deal, which he signed in December 2023, will expire in the summer of 2027, with this upcoming window the last chance Bilbao have to sell for a hefty price tag. However it appears that an exit is not at present anywhere near the front of Williams’ mind though.
The winger has spoken out about his hopes for his future ahead of the semi-final against United. And he dropped a clear hint that he wants to play in the Champions League with Athletic next season.
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“Every kid wants to play at Old Trafford. We have the goal of winning the Europa League and, next year, to crush the Champions League. Little by little,” Williams told AS. “I think our motto of going ‘on the down low’ is the best. We’re doing very well, and we need to continue like this to reach the final to continue this streak to help the team. The team is extraordinary.
“We’re going to celebrate this victory. San Mamés deserves it more than anyone. We’re doing very well to reach the semifinal we want. One more step before the final, and hopefully we can get there.”
Williams has never played in the Champions League, with Athletic having failed to qualify for the competition since his breakthrough into their first-team.
His comments will serve as a bitter blow for Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta. The Spaniard revealed earlier this week that plans had already been put in place for the summer with sporting director Andrea Berta. Those plans may now need to be adjusted if Williams does remain in the Basque Country.
“Yeah, those things were already discussed with him. But yes, I hope that he has many more ideas, plans, surprises, positive ones and use his experience, his creativity, his intuition as well to help us make the right goals,” Arteta said on Friday.
“I think it’s an opportunity. Somebody else comes in with different ideas, different methods, different ways of working and other priorities as well in the way that they work. And I think this makes us better.
“The best ones are still ahead and to come. And we all have a big ambition and big objectives. And we are in the right direction. But the next steps are going to be tough, and we’re going to have to do our best.”
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