Williams has made clear that remaining at Athletic Club was his own decision, despite interest from some of Europe’s biggest teams. The Spain international has now confirmed that Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain were among the clubs he rejected, alongside Barcelona.
Speaking after Athletic’s recent victory over Getafe, the winger explained that his loyalty to the Basque club had remained firm throughout the approaches he received.
“Whether it was Barça or other clubs like PSG, Arsenal and many others, I said ‘no’ to everyone to stay here,” Williams said.
The 24-year-old also rejected the suggestion that he had been pressured into staying, emphasising that the choice was his.
“I never had any doubts about wanting to stay here,” he said.
“Nobody held a gun to my head to make me decide.”
Williams’ comments follow renewed discussion about his future and the interest he attracted over recent transfer windows. Barcelona had previously been strongly linked with him, while his latest remarks confirm that the competition for his signature extended to clubs in England and France.
The winger did not specify exactly when Arsenal and PSG made their approaches. Instead, he referred broadly to interest received during the last three summer transfer windows.
His decision has now been backed by a long-term commitment. Williams has extended his Athletic Club contract until 2035, tying his future to the side where he progressed through the youth system before establishing himself in the first team.
That connection has been central to the story. While a move to a wealthier club could have offered a different sporting challenge, Williams has chosen to continue his career in Bilbao rather than pursue opportunities elsewhere.
The latest comments also come amid scrutiny of his agent, Félix Tainta, who has previously discussed the winger’s options and the circumstances surrounding the interest from Barcelona. Williams’ own explanation makes clear that the final decision rested with him and his family.
Athletic will hope the contract extension brings an end to repeated speculation over his future. Williams remains one of the club’s most prominent attacking players, and retaining him represents a significant statement of intent.
His latest remarks leave little ambiguity about the decision he has made: despite interest from Arsenal, PSG and Barcelona, he wants to continue at Athletic Club.