Spanish Star Chooses Loyalty Over Premier League Move as Gunners Face Transfer Heartbreak
Nico Williams is on the verge of committing his future to Athletic Bilbao in a blockbuster “lifetime contract” that could crush Arsenal’s hopes of signing the highly sought-after winger this summer.
The 22-year-old Spanish international, who has emerged as a top target for Arsenal’s new sporting director Andrea Berta, has a tantalizing €58 million release clause in his current deal. However, reports from Tele Bilbao suggest Williams is “closer than ever” to accepting a groundbreaking new offer from his boyhood club—one that would include a prohibitive buyout clause designed to end any future transfer speculation.
“This relationship we have at the heart of the club is incredible,” Williams told France Football in March, explaining his deep connection to Athletic. “Everyone respects everyone else. This atmosphere—I’ll never have it anywhere else. I’m happy here, and I’m trying to do my best.”
The proposed deal represents a major coup for Athletic, who maintain their unique tradition of fielding only Basque players. The club has a history of rewarding their stars with lucrative contracts to fend off interest from Europe’s elite—a strategy that already saw Williams reject Barcelona, Arsenal, and Chelsea last summer.
While Arsenal’s financial muscle made them favorites to activate his release clause, the emotional pull of Bilbao appears to have won out. Williams, currently shining for Spain at Euro 2024, would not only secure his long-term future but also become a club legend by potentially seeing out his career at San Mamés.
For Mikel Arteta’s side, it marks another setback in their pursuit of elite wing reinforcements after missing out on Mykhailo Mudryk to Chelsea in 2023. With Williams seemingly off the market, Arsenal may now turn their attention to alternatives like Pedro Neto or Johan Bakayoko as they look to build on last season’s Premier League title challenge.
As for Athletic, retaining their crown jewel reinforces their reputation as one of football’s most unique clubs—where local pride and extraordinary loyalty still trump the financial might of Europe’s super clubs.
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