"Staying here is the best for his career" – Arsenal and Liverpool dealt transfer blow as club president signals desire to keep 21-year-old

Athletic Bilbao president Jon Uriarte has asserted that he is confident about tying Arsenal and Liverpool-linked attacker Nico Williams down to an improved contract in the coming months.

Williams, 21, has popped up as one of the most exciting wide operators in the La Liga over the past couple of campaigns. He has helped Bilbao finish eighth in two back-to-back seasons recently, registering nine goals and six assists in 43 games in the 2022-23 campaign.

A right-footed winger blessed with flair and dribbling on top of his pace, Williams is said to have drawn a lot of interest over the past year. He has been scouted by the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, Premier League leaders Tottenham Hotspur, and Aston Villa, according to 90min.

However, Uriarte has claimed that the Athletic Bilbao's hierarchy are not losing any sleep over losing Williams to a Premier League giants. He told DAZN (h/t HITC):

"The rumors are a recurring theme. In Bilbao, we have peace of mind. We want an attractive project for Nico and other players."

Insisting that Williams will thrive should he stay, Uriarte continued:

"We trust that Nico will find the project attractive, and we think that's how it's going to be. His family is loyal to Athletic. Staying here is the best for his career. As for possible rumors, we have no idea."

Williams, who is in the final year of his current deal at Bilbao, is expected to remain in the news headlines until his contract situation is resolved. On the other hand, he has impressed on the pitch for Ernesto Valverde's side so far this season, assisting four goals in seven games.

Should he continue to shine, the 10-cap Spain international might invite some bids from the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool. He could prove to be a good squad option for either side should a deal materialize.

Stan Collymore predicts Liverpool will finish higher than Arsenal in the Premier League

Speaking to Caught Offside, ex-Liverpool striker Stan Collymore has predicted that the Reds will finish in top two of the Premier League standings at the conclusion of the 2023-24 season. He said:

"For me, Liverpool will either win the league or they'll finish second. I think they'll finish higher than Spurs and higher than Arsenal – the only team I see doing better over a 38-game season is City."

Jurgen Klopp's outfit, who have finished second twice by one point in the past five Premier League seasons, have opened their 2023-24 campaign on a stellar note. They are currently fourth with 20 points from nine matches, one point behind Arsenal in third and Manchester City in second.

Last season, Manchester City lifted their fifth Premier League title in the last six years with 89 points from 38 games. While the Gunners recorded 84 points, the Reds finished fifth with a paltry 67 points.