Nico Williams has delivered a clear indication that he will reject transfer interest from the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea this summer and stay at Athletic Club.
The Spain international, 21, is available for a release clause thought to be worth around £49million but prospective buyers will have to convince him to leave Bilbao, where he has played since he was a boy.
Older brother Inaki Williams, 30, has been no stranger to transfer interest during his career and the younger Williams has suggested that he’ll lean on his sibling as he looks to shut out the speculation and focus on his bid to win Euro 2024 with Spain.
“It's hard to deal with, because everyone is constantly asking you what you're going to do with your future,” he told Spanish radio station RNE.
“I'm a 21-year-old kid who just wants to play football.
“I have already said that Athletic is my home. I only recently renewed [my contract]. I am very happy.
“[Inaki] has already experienced it. He had his moment many years ago with rumors from the outside. He knows what it’s like, he knows how you suffer and he knows what has to be done.”
Chelsea are reportedly long-term admirers of Williams but will focus on cheaper targets in the current transfer window, with Marc Guiu about to join from Barcelona for £5m. Aston Villa youngster Omari Kellyman is also on the verge of a £19m transfer with Boca Juniors defender Aaron Anselmino in advanced talks.
Arsenal’s pursuit of a new forward has led to a series of players being linked from Williams to Viktor Gyokeres, Victor Osimhen and Benjamin Sesko, who has committed his future to RB Leipzig.
