Mikel Arteta was asked about Arsenal’s summer interest in Nico Williams as he faced the press ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League opener against Athletic Club. The San Sebastian-born coach played down speculation over a potential move for the Spain international but admitted the winger is a “fantastic player” admired at both club and international level.
In the third episode of The Black Stars Podcast, we examine how diaspora players impact Ghana's football ambitions and the broader issues of identity, preparation and infrastructure that influence their decisions.
Barcelona sporting director Deco has taken aim at Athletic Club’s Nico Williams following the collapse of a summer transfer, revealing that it was the player’s agent who initiated contact rather than the Catalan club. While acknowledging Williams’ quality, Deco stressed that he was not the type of player Barcelona were looking for. Instead, the former midfielder expressed his admiration for Marcus Rashford, who ultimately arrived as the alternative signing.
Former Barcelona president Joan Gaspart has boldly claimed that Marcus Rashford is a better player than Nico Williams, in response to criticism of the club from the Athletic Club winger's brother Inaki. Williams snubbed a move to Barca in favour of signing a new long-term deal with Athletic Club, which paved the way for Rashford to join the Catalan side on loan from Manchester United.
Nico Williams has finally opened up on why he chose to reject a transfer to Barcelona in favour of signing a new contract with Athletic Club. The Catalan giants were very close to signing the winger this summer, however, the 23-year-old eventually decided to stay in Bilbao as he committed to a new ten-year deal that will keep him at San Mames until 2035.
Barcelona have been rejected for the second year running by Athletic Club's Nico Williams as the Spain international has signed a new deal with the Basque club. The 22-year-old seemed certain to move to the Catalan side this summer after weeks of rather talks between Barcelona and the player's camp. The Spanish winger has now signed a 10-year deal with Los Leones.
Nico Williams has reportedly asked for a registration guarantee from Barcelona before completing his move from Athletic Club. The Blaugrana are closing in on a deal for the winger, with club president Joan Laporta already confirming that Barcelona will pay the player's €58 million (£49m/$67m) release clause. The Spaniard has also made up his mind to join the Catalan side.
In a fresh act of protest, the mural featuring Nico Williams in Bilbao has once again been desecrated, just hours after it had been lovingly restored. The backlash from certain Athletic Club fans has escalated as the Spain international edges closer to a transfer to rivals Barcelona, a move that has sparked visible anger among the Basque community.
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