Nico Williams has clarified that he turned down Arsenal and other clubs in Europe to stay with Athletic Bilbao.

In an interview on the 27th October 2026, Williams spoke after his agent Felix Tainta claimed he had helped the Spain international to turn down offers from Arsenal, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Liverpool.

He said it was his own decision to stay in Spain and spoke of how he and his brother and family came to the decision together. "I think it's not true what he said. It's my decision with my brother and my family. What goes on back home is just between us."

Williams also confirmed that Arsenal were one of the clubs who were rejected by the 24-year-old during the summer 2024 transfer window. He also added that he never really considered leaving his boyhood club.

"I never doubted I was here. I had so many offers but I always knew I wanted to stay here." Williams also said that he had personally told several clubs, including Arsenal, Barcelona and PSG that he would not be joining them.

"No one pushed me into it. I had offers from Barca and other clubs in Europe like PSG or Arsenal and I said no to them.

"People can say what they want. I have nothing to worry about and I hope people understand." The comments come after Tainta spoke on the Los Fulanos podcast.

He spoke about how several big clubs in Europe had shown an interest in Williams but also said that there were concerns over playing time which led to him staying.

He also compared Williams to a Formula 1 car due to his incredible talent and how it was important he went to a club where he would get the right amount of game time.

Williams has now committed his future to the Spanish club by signing an eight-year contract last summer. This will keep him with the club until 2035 and also raised his release clause from the previously reported £50 million.