Athletic Bilbao chief drops Nico Williams transfer hint amid Liverpool and Arsenal links
Athletic Bilbao president Jon Uriarte is adamant young sensation Nico Williams will stay at the club despite Premier League interest. Aston Villa had reportedly triggered a £43million release clause in the summer, only for the 21-year-old to stay at his boyhood club. Williams, whose brother Inaki has also spent his entire career at Bilbao, is one of Spain's hottest prospects.
The winger was part of the Spanish squad for the World Cup last year and already has four La Liga assists for Athletic this season. Predominantly a right winger, Williams has reportedly attracted interest from Liverpool and Arsenal. Tottenham Hotspur are also named as a potential English suitor.
Some have viewed him as the long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah but, admittedly, he lacks the killer instinct in front of goal. Williams could be better suited as a Bukayo Saka understudy, with Arsenal understood to be keen on another wide attacker.
However, Bilbao supremo Uriarte has dismissed claims that the young star, who has eight months remaining on his contract, is leaving. The club president pointed towards his family’s loyalty as a key reason why Williams will stay put.
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"[The rumours are] a recurring theme," Uriarte told DAZN. «In Bilbao, we have peace of mind. We want an attractive project for Nico and other players, as with another youngster Unai Gomez.
»We trust that Nico will find the project attractive, and we think that’s how it’s going to be. His family is loyal to Athletic. [Staying] is the best for his career. As for possible rumours, we have no idea."
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