Arsenal rue Nico Williams transfer rejection amid Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli injury wait

Arsenal were interested in signing Athletic Club star Nico Williams over the summer but a move failed to materialise.

football.london understands the were interested in signing a versatile forward during the last window, with one of several names spoken about internally by The 22-year-old was hot property after shining for Spain at Euro 2024 and was also linked with Barcelona and .

He ultimately stayed put at Athletic Club, however, and explained his reasoning after the window closed. "It’s good big teams have you on their agenda, but I’ve always been clear, I want to be here," Williams said, as reported by .

"Athletic Club is a different feeling that you don’t get at other clubs. I’m really looking forward to doing big things at this club.

“There were approaches from many clubs. My heart is with Athletic. I have a contract here, but who knows what happens in future. I wanted to stay because playing in Europe with Athletic Club was what I was most excited about.”

Williams has not had the impact he perhaps would have wanted to have so far this season, though, as he has scored just once in nine appearances in all competitions. That will probably not put off Arsenal from making a move in the future, with the winger having a release clause of around €58million (£48.5million) in his contract.

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Arsenal could have certainly done with Williams this campaign, . Saka did not take part in England’s game against Finland on Sunday after flying back to London with a hamstring issue. Martinelli, meanwhile, has had an MRI scan on his calf after complaining of pain while with Brazil.

The severity of Saka and Martinelli’s injuries is not yet known and we are likely to find out more in the coming days. While it’s possible both players are fit in time for Saturday’s Premier League clash with Bournemouth, having a player like Williams available certainly would have eased things.

Instead, loan signing may be called upon. The Chelsea star has one goal and one assist for the Gunners in five appearances this term but has yet to really be given a chance.

In regards to Williams it will be interesting to see if Arsenal go back in for the Spaniard next summer. Interestingly, the player was asked about exit links this week and his reply was telling.

“I’m not thinking about that right now,” . “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.”