During a recent press conference, Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams opened up about his decision to remain with his boyhood club last summer, despite being a passionate Arsenal supporter and harboring a strong desire to play in the Premier League.
Williams revealed that after careful reflection, he concluded that staying at Athletic Bilbao was the best choice for his career at that particular moment.
Arsenal had shown strong interest in securing Williams’ signature, with reports suggesting they were prepared to activate his £50 million release clause.
However, the transfer never materialized, as Williams ultimately opted to continue his development in La Liga.
The winger admitted that the opportunity to join Arsenal was tempting, but he prioritized regular playing time and his commitment to Athletic Bilbao when making his decision.
Recent reports indicate that Arsenal’s pursuit of the talented winger may now face a significant obstacle.
Barcelona has reportedly entered the race for the 22-year-old, with sources claiming that the player and the Catalan club have “practically closed” personal terms.
This unexpected development could seriously hinder Arsenal’s hopes of securing Williams, as Barcelona’s interest may sway the player’s next move.
As the summer transfer window draws closer, Arsenal remains determined to strengthen their attacking options.
The North London club has been linked with multiple attacking reinforcements, including RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, as they aim to enhance squad depth and competitiveness.
Williams had long been on Arsenal’s radar as a potential target, but with Barcelona now in the mix, the Gunners could be forced to explore alternative signings.
Williams’ decision to stay at Athletic Bilbao last summer highlights the difficult choices professional footballers face when balancing their personal ambitions with their career progression.
While his admiration for Arsenal is well known, he felt that remaining with his current club would provide the stability and consistent playing time necessary for his continued growth.
His development in La Liga has allowed him to refine his skills further, and it remains to be seen whether Arsenal will attempt to reignite their interest despite Barcelona’s advances.
With the summer transfer window fast approaching, Arsenal’s recruitment strategy will be closely monitored.
If their long-term pursuit of Williams ultimately falls through, the Gunners are expected to shift their attention to other attacking targets.
However, should an opportunity arise to lure Williams to the Emirates, Arsenal may still make a renewed push to sign him.
For now, his future remains uncertain, but his impressive performances continue to attract attention from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
