Arsenal transfer target Nico Williams has spoken out about his true feelings at Athletic Bilbao amid links with a possible exit this summer.
The winger has impressed over the past few seasons, quickly rising to become one of the most promising young forwards out there.
Nico Williams has been transfer-linked with Arsenal, with the Spaniard viewed as a potential option to help bolster Mikel Arteta’s ranks.
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While it has been a difficult season for the 22-year-old at times, through injury, it may not put the Gunners off.
A release clause worth £50million for Williams could well tempt Arsenal to make a move before their rivals in the market.
However, with that in mind, the forward has seemingly hinted at his true feelings over a move.
Nico Williams claims he is “super happy” at Athletic Bilbao amid links with an Arsenal transfer
Arsenal’s interest in Nico Williams is no surprise, as the Gunners have been tracking a move for him for some time now.
While the forward has a release clause, there are no guarantees over a move this summer for a few reasons.
One is down to competition, with other teams likely to join the race, while Williams’ wages are another sticking point.
Beyond that is the desire of the player himself, with his decision in the whole saga set to play a part.
With his future set to meet a crossroads this summer, Williams has hinted at his true feelings over Athletic Bilbao.
Speaking to the press before his side’s clash with Manchester United in the Europa League, he said: “The dream is to lift the Champions’ trophy at San Mames.
“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. I’ve always wanted to feel important here. This is a ten out of ten season for me.”
It’s a pretty clear statement from Williams on his time at Athletic, but it remains to be seen whether that could change heading into the summer.
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What Ernesto Valverde has said about Nico Williams transfer
While Arsenal are looking at a deal for Williams, they are faced by the very real possibility of him staying at Athletic Bilbao for the future.
That is certainly what his manager, Ernesto Valverde, is hoping anyway, when speaking about him to the press.
He said: “He has had a very good season, and there has been some speculation. We hope that he is with us next season and for many years because we want to have the best players.”
With the connection felt in the Basque Country with the football club, it may well be a tough situation for any team to prise Williams away from.
It remains to be seen whether Arsenal have enough to tempt Williams to the Premier League or not, with a big summer ahead.
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