Arsenal 'suffer major transfer blow' as top forward target Nico Williams drops hint over his future

Athletic Bilbao attacker Nico Williams has suggested that he wants to spend at least one more season at San Mames.

The 22-year-old is regarded as one of the best young forwards in world football, and he has had another strong campaign for Athletic, scoring 11 goals and registering seven assists in 42 appearances in all competitions.

Barcelona were prepared to pay the €55m (£47m) release clause in his Athletic contract last summer, but the forward turned down the chance to make the move to Hansi Flick's side.

The Catalan giants are allegedly not planning a move for Williams this summer, but there is still significant interest in his services, with Arsenal believed to be among the clubs keen on a deal this summer.

However, Williams has hinted that he wants to spend at least one more season with the Lions in order to represent them in the Champions League, with the team having two routes into that competition late in the campaign.

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Williams hints at Athletic stay amid Arsenal interest

Athletic booked their spot in the semi-finals of the Europa League courtesy of a 2-0 aggregate success over Rangers, and they will now tackle Manchester United in the final four of the competition at the start of next month.

Winning the Europa League would secure a spot in next season's Champions League, but Ernesto Valverde's side are also fourth in the La Liga table, nine points ahead of sixth-placed Real Betis, with La Liga now confirmed to have five Champions League spots for next term.

"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 are 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 are going to celebrate this victory. San Mames deserves it more than anyone. We are doing very well to reach the semi-final we want. One more step before the final, and hopefully we can get there."

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Will Williams leave Athletic this summer?

Should Williams inspire Athletic to Europa League glory, then that might be the perfect way for him to exit this summer, but his comments suggest that he is planning to stay at San Mames for at least another year.

Athletic would be powerless to prevent him from entering into talks with other clubs should his release clause be activated, and that figure is incredibly low considering his quality and potential to get even better.

It would then be up to Williams to decide his future, but having already turned down a lucrative move to Barcelona last year, it would not be surprising at all to see him reject more interest this summer in order to play for Athletic in the Champions League next term.

Written by
Matt Law