Arsenal withdraws Nico Williams deal. African footballers. Nico Williams’ standout performances at Euro 2024 have attracted attention from top European clubs. His 50 million euro release clause is tempting, but Arsenal is hesitant due to expected high salary demands.
The competition for Williams is intense, fueled by his Euro success. Last season, the 21-year-old shone at Athletic Bilbao with five goals and 11 assists in La Liga, plus a Copa del Rey victory. Besides Arsenal, Barcelona is very interested, and Premier League clubs Chelsea and Liverpool are also in the mix. PSG is watching closely following Kylian Mbappe’s exit.
Former Athletic Bilbao star Julen Guerrero advises Williams to stay, pointing to the club’s potential for growth. “I want him to stay at Athletic,” Guerrero said, noting the Copa del Rey win and European qualification as ideal for Williams’ development.
“It’s his decision,” Guerrero acknowledges, expressing hope that Williams will stay and continue his progress at Athletic Bilbao. Williams, who joined Athletic Bilbao at 17 and debuted in 2021, has become a key player for both club and country, with his brother Inaki offering valuable support.
Read also: Ghanaian star Inaki Williams wins LaLiga African Player of the Season
More about Nico Williams
Nicholas “Nico” Williams Arthuer (born 12 July 2002) is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a winger for La Liga club Athletic Bilbao and the Spain national team.
Williams was born in Pamplona to Ghanaian parents who travelled across the Sahara Desert to reach Melilla, an autonomous Spanish city in North Africa. His older brother, Iñaki Williams, is also a footballer and a forward, having been brought up at Athletic Bilbao after being born in Spain shortly after their parents arrived. Nico typically wears “Williams Jr” on the back of his shirt, even in international matches where Iñaki is not involved. Growing up, Nico was a fan of Asamoah Gyan.
Williams joined Athletic Bilbao’s youth academy in 2013 and was promoted to the reserve team in 2020 and the first team a year later, becoming a teammate of his older brother Iñaki. Known for his speed and dribbling skills, Williams debuted for Spain’s senior side in 2022 and was part of their squads for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2024.