Neither Barça nor Madrid, Nico Williams tells Lamine Yamal the truth

Nico Williams, the rising star of Athletic Club Bilbao, was caught completely off guard when he saw the front page of Spanish sports paper Marca boldly claiming that Real Madrid was ready to sign him by paying his full release clause. It came as a shock—not just to fans, but even to Nico himself.

According to close sources, Nico was surprised and confused. He had no idea about any interest from Real Madrid. He had not spoken with anyone from the club. In fact, when he saw the news, he immediately picked up the phone to speak to his friend and fellow Spanish national teammate Lamine Yamal, who plays for FC Barcelona. And what did Nico say?

“I’m not going to Madrid, and I’m not going to Barcelona either.”

Leaving Spain for Good

After a solid season at Athletic Club, where Nico impressed many with his speed, dribbling, and work rate, he has now decided to leave LaLiga altogether. Despite failing to win the Europa League with Bilbao and receiving encouragement from the club to stay—especially with a potential Champions League place on the horizon—Nico believes now is the right time to move on.

The Basque forward wants a new challenge, and it seems he has found it in the English Premier League, where Arsenal FC is already waiting with open arms.

Advanced Talks with Arsenal

Sources close to the situation say Nico is in advanced negotiations with Arsenal and their new sporting director, Andrea Berta. Arsenal is ready to pay his €58 million release clause in full and bring him into a squad full of young, hungry talent—perfect for his growth and playing style.

At the Emirates Stadium, Nico would join a group of Spanish-speaking players, including coach Mikel Arteta and possibly Zubimendi, another Basque player also linked with Arsenal. The move seems to make sense both on and off the pitch.

Real Madrid: “We’re Not Interested”

Meanwhile, the big twist in this story is that Real Madrid has denied everything. After Marca’s cover made waves across Spain and social media, the Madrid camp reached out directly to Athletic Club to clear the air.

According to top journalist Jesús Gallego on the program El Larguero, Real Madrid told Athletic Club that they have no interest in signing Nico Williams and have no idea how the rumor started.

Madrid’s plan for the summer doesn’t include a player like Nico, as they already have attacking talents like Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo, Brahim Díaz, and Endrick on the way. So, from their point of view, the story was simply false reporting.

Barcelona Also Misses Out

As for Barcelona, the club had been keeping a close eye on Nico for a while. Sporting director Deco even made moves behind the scenes, hoping to convince him to come to the Camp Nou. With young talents like Lamine Yamal, Fermín López, and Pau Cubarsí stepping up, Nico was seen as a perfect addition to Barça’s rebuilding project.

But Barcelona, already dealing with serious financial limitations, couldn’t match Arsenal’s offer—especially not the full €58 million upfront. That gave Arsenal the advantage, and now Nico has personally told Yamal that his decision is final.

“I’m leaving Spain,” he told his friend. “It’s time for a new challenge.”

What This Means for Nico Williams’ Career

Nico Williams is just 21 years old, but he’s already making mature decisions about his future. Moving to the Premier League—one of the toughest and most competitive leagues in the world—will be a big step for him.

At Arsenal, he’ll join a team that is on the rise. Under Mikel Arteta, the Gunners have returned to the top of English football and are competing hard in the Premier League and Champions League. With his explosive style and flair, Nico could thrive in England, win trophies, and increase his global profile.

His move is not just about football. It also represents a strategic career move. Playing in England means more exposure, better wages, and the chance to face the best week in, week out.

Conclusion: Nico Chooses Growth Over Headlines

In a world where transfer rumors fly every day, it’s refreshing to see a young footballer take control of his narrative.

Nico Williams was caught off guard by the Madrid rumor, but he responded quickly, calmly, and with clarity.

He knows what he wants—and that is not Madrid, not Barcelona, but a fresh start in the Premier League.

Nico Williams seems to know his, and it’s painted red and white—the colours of Arsenal FC.