BREAKING NEWS: took the decision’ – Nico Williams opens up on reason for Arsenal transfer choice

Latest Arsenal news and transfer rumours as former Arsenal target Nico Williams has opened up on his decision to stay at Athletic Bilbao

Nico Williams of Athletic Club was linked with a move to Arsenal last

Arsenal’s summer transfer target Nico Williams has opened up on his decision to snub interest from elsewhere in order to stay at Athletic Bilbao.

The 22-year-old winger is a product of the La Liga club’s academy and has enjoyed a remarkable rise since his breakthrough into the first team in the 2021/22 season. Last summer, he was one of the standout performers in Spain’s triumph at Euro 2024.

His numbers, having scored eight and assisted 16 goals last season, caught the attention of a number of top clubs, including Arsenal and Barcelona. Despite speculation surrounding a summer move, Williams opted to stay with his boyhood club, where he is under contract until 2027.

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Speaking recently to France Football, Williams opened up on his decision to stay at Bilbao, admitting he’d struggle to find what he already has elsewhere. “This relationship we have at the heart of the club is incredible,” he said.

“Everyone respects everyone else, which is incredible. This atmosphere, I’ll never have it anywhere else.

“I decided to stay because of that. I took the decision I thought was the right one. I’m happy and I’m trying to do my best.”

Arsenal are in desperate need of attacking reinforcement given their injury problems this season. However, interest in Williams and the desire to strengthen the left wing comes as a result of question marks over Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli.

Mikel Arteta is without Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Martinelli due to injuries and their form in the Premier League has suffered as a result. Despite challenging leaders Liverpool for most of the season, Arsenal have failed to capitalise when their rivals have dropped points and their hopes of pipping the Merseyside outfit to the title have diminished in recent weeks.