Williams to elude Arsenal forever? Athletic chief in 'entire career' claim

Tom Weber

• Updated: 2 Sept 2024 17:03 BST
• 4 min read

Athletic Club president Jon Uriarte has expressed his hope that Nico Williams will go down in history as a one-club man.

The Spain winger was the subject of one of the longest-running transfer sagas of the summer. After starring for the European champions at Euro 2024, Williams was linked with a move away every day.

Barcelona had made him their top target, while Arsenal saw him as one of the best attacking options on the market. Chelsea and PSG were also well-known admirers.

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No club ultimately managed to land the 22-year-old. Williams decided to snub his suitors and remained at boyhood club Athletic Club. The LaLiga's side's famous San Mames stadium will host the Europa League final this season and the attacker is determined to be present in the showpiece event on home soil.

Williams to stay forever?

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano previously reported that Athletic Club could look to offer Williams a new contract now that he has decided to stay in a bid to get rid of his €58 million release clause.

It was always a distinct possibility that Williams would remain in Bilbao as it is only too common for Basque players to feel closely connected to their unique homeland. Martin Zubimendi at rivals Real Sociedad also snubbed interest from Arsenal, Barcelona and Liverpool to stay in San Sebastian in the summer.

Could Williams remain at Athletic Club his entire career? It is a possibility and one the LaLiga side will be working towards making a reality, according to president Jon Uriarte.

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Speaking to MARCA, he has now expressed his hope that Williams will continue in Bilbao for the remainder of his still-young career: "It seems that there is a logic or an unwritten rule that says that a player who stands out has to aspire to play in some clubs, which some call big clubs, but the reality is that the Athletic project continues to grow.

"Nico has made it clear that he wants to stay here and for us that is very important. He has a contract until 2027. It is normal for players to arouse interest in the markets and just as we sign players, we take it naturally, although always with an ear to the ground.

"Athletic is something different because this attachment of the players with the club does not occur in any other club in the world. We have been able to retain talent and attract it. Hopefully, he will develop his entire career with us."