Athletic Club president Jon Uriarte has given his verdict on Nico Williams departing this summer after rumours of a move to Arsenal.
The 21-year-old attacker is on course to enjoy a breakout tournament at the 2024 Euros with Williams already winning plaudits for his performances with Spain, with the winger named Man of the Match in La Roja’s 1-0 win against Spain.
Already linked with a move for Arsenal before the tournament, Williams’ stock has risen considerably since the start of the Euros, though the youngster’s wage demands could prove to be a stumbling block for any interested party.
And Athletic’s president has now issued his stance on Williams leaving this summer.
President shrugs off summer departure for Arsenal target Williams
Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, Uriarte shrugged off the suggestion that Williams could leave Bilbao this summer, with the Athletic president suggesting that the winger is happy at the Basque giants.
Having won the Copa del Rey this season, Williams has mentioned in recent interviews that he is genuinely happy staying at Athletic, where at 21-years-old the winger is arguably at the right club for his development.
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As for, Arsenal these updates could signal the end of their interest in signing Williams, who this summer now looks set to stay in the Basque country with Athletic, much to the dismay of Mikel Arteta and the north London side.
Ugarte said: “We’re not here to talk about rumors. Nico is happy in Bilbao and at Athletic, as he has mentioned before. We’re pleased with Nico. We would love to share more information about club operations, but we usually don’t disclose details until everything is finalized.”
Arsenal need to move on from Williams after latest comments
Williams always felt like a fanciful signing for Arsenal this summer, with the Spanish international still something of an unknown quality and not quite what the Gunners are looking for in terms of a new attacker.
And following these latest comments from the Athletic president, Arsenal would be wise to move on from Williams, with more players out there in the market who could be suited to what Arteta is looking for in the transfer window.
Moreover, with Williams himself happy to stay at Athletic for at least another year, Arsenal will be saving themselves a lot of time and effort in moving on to other targets, with plenty of options available.