Nico Williams drops huge transfer bombshell as Arsenal saga takes yet another twist

Nico Williams has extended his contract with Athletic Club until 2035. The Basque side have confirmed that his release clause will also rise by more than 50 per cent.

Despite seemingly being on the verge of signing for Barcelona, following more than 12 months of transfer drama, Williams may now remain at his boyhood team. Arsenal are one of the many sides who have spent time looking into him as a versatile attacking option.

With a £51million price tag this summer - tied to interest rates - Williams has always been an expensive option for those exploring a deal. His enormous wages have put many off pursuing things further.

As Arsenal plot a move for a new forward to go alongside a statement striker buy, Williams once again emerged. However, Barcelona seemed to have pulled clear of the chasing pack.

Their lure once more proved too much for Williams to turn down and it was widely expected that the 22-year-old would join Hansi Flick this summer. Arsenal have turned their attention to Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, and Rodyrgo, to name just three.

Athletic have confirmed that Williams will instead be tied down to a mammoth new deal in Bilbao. "Nico Williams renews his contract with Athletic Club until 2035," a statement on Friday morning revealed, to the shock of most.

"The red-and-white winger is linked to the club of his heart for the next ten seasons and his release clause increases by more than 50% of what it had," the translated press release continues. "When decisions have to be made, for me, what weighs most is the heart. I'm where I want to be, with my people, this is my home," said Williams.

The Spaniard, who went from an exciting prospect to world star at Euro 2024 in Germany last year, scored five times in La Liga with five assists in the 2024/25 season. That followed up his five goals and 11 assists in 2023/24.

Williams has already played 94 senior league games for Athletic after making the breakthrough into the first team as a teenager. He plays with his brother, Inaki.

Although there were plenty keen on getting him 12 months ago, Williams decided against leaving Athletic in order to try and win the Europa League at his home stadium in May. That dream was crushed when Athletic lost to Manchester United in the semi-final.

The writing appeared to be on the wall for his future at the Estadio de San Mames, with Barcelona once more getting pole position for a transfer. They beat a similar set of clubs to Dani Olmo's signature on a free last summer only to run into registration issues.

What the next chapter now holds for Williams is unclear, but he will cost teams an additional £25million, at least, taking the upfront fee alone to a minimum of £76million. Rules in Spain dictate that the cash has to be paid in one lump sum and is effectively taken straight to the league.

Along with Williams' wages, it makes a total package for him even more extortionate. Whether or not Arsenal would be tempted to make another play for him waits to be seen.

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