Nico Williams drops transfer bombshell amid Arsenal interest

19 Jun 2026 15:07 BST | 5 min read

Nico Williams, Athletic Club, 2025/26 — © IMAGO

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

Athletic Club winger Nico Williams has confirmed that he wants to remain with the Spanish outfit for the rest of his career despite transfer interest from Arsenal.

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The 23-year-old was heavily linked with Arsenal and Barcelona in 2024 and 2025, but he snubbed a transfer away from San Mames on both occasions and he signed a lucrative new contract last summer.

Current ETV

Nico Williams

F, M (L)

Athletic

Nico Williams

F, M (L)

Athletic

ETV Range

€52.1M - €63.7M

Williams’ current deal with Edin Terzic’s side isn’t due to expire for another nine years and although rumours have suggested that Arsenal could rekindle their interest in his signature, amid their continued pursuit of a new left winger, the Spain superstar has confirmed that he has no intention in leaving Athletic Club.

In fact, he would like to sign a lifetime contract with the club if possible.

Speaking to El Larguero while on international duty with Spain at the World Cup, Williams was asked about his future and whether a transfer could be on the cards before the end of the summer window.

“I am very comfortable at Athletic,” he replied. “The first thing I want to do is repay the affection they have given me this year. I would like to see out my entire contract - I’d sign up for that right now - but in football, anything can happen.

“If the club wants to get rid of me, then I’ll have to leave, but if it were up to me, I’d sign up to be there for the rest of my life.”

© IMAGO - Nico Williams wants to stay at Athletic Club

Will Nico Williams play in Spain’s next World Cup match?

Williams is expected to play a key role for Spain at the 2026 World Cup, after starring at Euro 2024, but a pubalgia injury has plagued him over the past few months and he was only able to play the final three minutes, plus stoppage time, of their 0-0 draw against Cape Verde on Monday.

“There are injuries that just leave you shattered. Pubalgia is incredibly frustrating because one day you see the light at the end of the tunnel, and the next day you feel terrible. It can drag on indefinitely, but I have already recovered from that,” Williams admitted when asked about his fitness.

“This injury is different because there is a fixed recovery time of three or four weeks. Right now I feel good, but obviously, there is a risk of relapse; the muscle might be fatigued and tear again. But the boss gives plenty of reassurance and confidence to those of us who are in this phase.

“The plan was for me to get a few minutes to find my match sharpness, which is very important. The boss gave me those minutes, and I am very grateful for the opportunity and to keep building up my rhythm.”

Williams was only able to make 32 appearances for Athletic Club last season due to his ongoing pubalgia issue, scoring six goals and providing seven assists.

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