Arsenal may need to put the charm offensive on to convince Nico Williams to leave Athletic Bilbao this summer, with him insisting he’s “super happy” with his boyhood club.
Sport cover comments from the forward today ahead of Bilbao’s Europa League semi-final clash against Manchester United.
The game is set to be one of the biggest of Williams’ career, at least at club level, as he looks to push his side to the final, which will be held at their own stadium, San Mames.
It could be the defining moment of his career with the Spanish club, where he has been since he was a boy and plays alongside his brother, Inaki.
He elected to stay with the club last summer after his success at Euro 2024 with Spain, turning down big interest from around Europe and particularly Barcelona.
That interest is set to be revived this summer and Arsenal at the forefront, with it reported already that their new director of football Andrea Berta has opened talks with the player’s representatives to try and get ahead of the game.
It seems he and Arsenal will need to put the charm offensive to good use, though, with Williams insisting that he’s more than happy where he is.
“The dream is to lift the champion’s trophy at San Mamés,” he said.
“I have the opportunity to make history at this club. The dream never ends. I’m 100% focused on tomorrow, on reaching the final and winning it.
“I don’t want to look any further. I’m super happy here and… well. I’ve always wanted to feel important here. This is a 10/10 season for me.”
