Athletic Bilbao president Jon Uriarte believes that “too many questions” are asked about Nico Williams’ future amid transfer links with Arsenal and Chelsea.
The Spain international has played a starring role for La Roja at Euro 2024 with his performances helping his nation progress to the final against England on Sunday.
Williams has also excelled for his club side after making 31 appearances in La Liga last season, scoring five goals and providing 14 assists. The 21-year-old helped Ernesto Valverde’s side finish fifth in the Spanish top flight and secure Europa League qualification.
And his standout performances for club and country have seen him linked with a move to the Premier League this summer. Both the Gunners and Enzo Maresca’s team are said to be interested as well as Liverpool.
But Bilbao club president Jon Uriarte has hit out at talk linking Williams with a move away. The attacker has a contract at the La Liga side until June 2027.
“We have a top project with no limits and we’re able to keep top players like Nico Williams at the club,” he said at a press conference on Thursday, via Fabrizio Romano.
“There are too many questions always asked to Nico on his future as Federation has not been able to protect him. We ask for respect”.
Williams has also dismissed speculation over his future in a recent interview with La1. “I’ve just signed new deal at Athletic few weeks ago, I feel very good there. I’m very happy at Athletic,” he said. “It’s very strange to receive questions on my future.”
