Nico Williams confirms he rejected Arsenal, Barcelona and PSG to stay at Athletic Club

Nico Williams has confirmed in his own words that he rejected advances from Arsenal, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and other major European clubs, declaring his intention to remain at Athletic Club in Bilbao for the foreseeable future.

The 24-year-old Spain international spoke out following Athletic’s 4-0 demolition of Getafe at San Mamés, distancing himself from recent comments made by his agent Felix Tainta, who had publicly named Barcelona, Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Liverpool and PSG as interested parties during 2024 — the year Williams helped Spain win the European Championship.

“Felix was wrong with what he said; things aren’t like that,” Williams said, in comments relayed by Sport Witness. “The final decision is made by me, my brother, and the family. What happens at home, only the three of us know.”

Williams was unequivocal about his stance on the repeated transfer speculation. “I’ve never doubted being here. I’ve had countless offers. I could have left, and I’ve always been clear about staying here. My intention to be here cannot be questioned. I told Barça, Arsenal, PSG, and many others no, because I want to be here. I hope people understand.”

Arsenal’s interest in Williams stretches back several years, with the Gunners among a cluster of European heavyweights who have monitored the winger closely. That interest appeared to cool in 2024 when Williams signed a remarkable ten-year contract extension at Athletic, tying him to the club until 2035. Speculation briefly resurfaced last summer after Arsenal failed to secure moves for Vinícius Jr or Julián Álvarez, though the club ultimately brought in only Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge.

Williams first rose to prominence around the 2022 World Cup, following elder brother Iñaki into the Athletic first team. Unlike Iñaki, he earned a senior call-up for Spain and has since become central to La Roja’s success across two major international tournaments.

Since the peak of European interest following Euro 2024, however, Williams has managed just 12 league goals, with injury and inconsistent form limiting his impact at club level. Transfermarkt currently values him at €40 million.