Nico Williams Rejects Arsenal, Chelsea, and Barcelona to Stay at Athletic Club
Athletic Club winger Nico Williams has stunned the football world by deciding to remain at the Basque club, turning down lucrative offers from Arsenal, Chelsea, and Barcelona.
The Spanish international’s impressive performances at UEFA Euro 2024 had sparked intense interest from top European clubs, with Barcelona seen as the frontrunners.
However, despite significant pressure from the Catalan giants, Williams has opted to stay loyal to his boyhood club.
FC Barcelona are pushing hard to sign Nico Williams, while Arsenal are also known to be keen on a deal. Chelsea backed away from the move earlier in the summer due to concerns over the finances involved, but have remained vigilant.
MARCA first revealed that Williams had decided on a summer transfer, but his verdict was unknown at the time. However, SPORT has now clarified that Williams has decided to stay at Athletic.
Nico Williams was open to a move to FC Barcelona officials at the Camp Nou hoped the UEFA Euro 2024 winner would be prepared to adjust his financial demands to make the move possible, but their hopes of securing Williams’ signature appear to have been dashed.
It is claimed that Williams came to this decision on his own after not being convinced that leaving Athletic at this time would be the best move for his career.
But there is no talk of a new contract with Athletic Club. Nico Williams remains tied to the club until 2027 on a deal that will continue to include a €58m (£49m) release clause unless new terms are agreed.
As for FC Barcelona, ​​attention will now shift to RB Leipzig midfielder Dani Olmo, who the Blaugrana had hoped would sign alongside Nico Williams.
