Arsenal: Nico Williams addresses transfer links with fresh approach expected next summer

Arsenal and Barcelona target Nico Williams insists he will not let the intense speculation around his future distract him this season.

Williams was heavily linked with a move away from Athletic Club over the summer after impressing for Spain as they won Euro 2024.

Arsenal and Barcelona were both keen on the winger - who has a release clause of around €58million (£48.5m) in his contract signed last December - but he ended up staying in Bilbao and taking the No10 shirt.

Barca and the Gunners are expected to return for the 22-year-old next summer, while other sides may come to the table as well, but Williams is not allowing that to impact him.

“I’m not thinking about that right now,” he told El Mundo . “The [Athletic] fans are very happy that I’m staying here and I’m very happy to be here.

“Bilbao is my home, I want to continue enjoying it and the truth is that I’m very happy. I’ve always had things very clear and I think people see that.

“I think I’m doing really well and trying to take Athletic to the top in Spain and in Europe, with that [Europa League] final in San Mames that excites us so much. That’s the only thing that matters now.

“In the end, you have to live with it (transfer talk). Football works like this, with many interests from clubs, the media, the players... and there is always noise.

“It is neither bad nor good, it is what it is and it does not affect my performance. I continue doing the same job that I have done until now.

“On a personal level, there have also been tough times in which you stop to think about many scenarios and it is difficult, but I have an incredible family and friends who support me. I want to think that this will not happen to me every summer.”

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