Relative of £43m Mikel Arteta target reveals what he truly thinks about failed Arsenal move

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Arsenal endured a frustrating summer transfer window as they failed to land a number of their top targets.

Mikel Arteta was interested in several young attackers, but a move to sign RB Leipzig attacker Benjamin Sesko did not materialise as the striker elected to stay in Germany.

Arsenal faced further frustration in their pursuit of Nico Williams. Arteta wanted a winger who could play on both sides and offer speed to his attack, and the Euro 2024 sensation was seen as the perfect long-term fit.

However, the Athletic Bilbao star endured a long summer as both Arsenal and Barcelona registered their interest in him, with Arsenal prepared to pay his £43m release clause, but he elected to remain at his club.

Arsenal signed Raheem Sterling on loan when it became apparent that Williams would not move, and there are seemingly no regrets from the 22-year-old over his failed exit.

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Inaki Williams reveals Nico Williams stance on failed Arsenal transfer

Speaking to Spanish outlet SPORT, Athletic Bilbao winger Inaki Williams, who is the older brother of Nico, claimed that the attacker has no regrets about not leaving his club.

“It’s been a very long, very tough summer. A summer of having to make decisions. After several months, for me he has made the right decision,” Inaki Williams explained.

“Nico doesn’t regret his decision to stay at Athletic, he says it’s the best decision he’s made. Nico is very happy in Bilbao and I hope we can keep playing together as long as possible.”

Athletic Club are in the Europa League after winning the Copa Del Rey last season, and ahead of his side’s 1-1 draw with Roma, Inaki Williams outlined their ambition to go far in Europe.

“Now we have a dream to fulfil, like the whole team. There are few of us who have been lucky enough to play in European competition with Athletic and now we are going to fulfil the dream of many,” he added, hinting that Nico elected to stay to lead his boyhood club in European competition.

Nico Williams’ slow start to the season

After a stellar campaign last season and a standout Euro 2024, Nico has had a slow start to the season with Atheltic Club after rejecting Arsenal’s interest.

He has scored just once in six La Liga games, and is yet to provide an assist. After Athletic Club dropped points in two of their three opening games, they have now won three matches in a row.

Arsenal are happy with Sterling, who scored on his full debut for the club in a 5-1 victory over Bolton in the Carabao Cup, but they will still keep a close eye on Nico in case he becomes open to a future move.