The night of Thursday, 3 July, was especially eventful in Bilbao. With complete discretion, Athletic Club and Nico Williams’ representatives prepared one of the biggest bombshells of the summer,

Nico Williams has formally rejected a move to Barcelona by putting pen to paper on a surprise contract extension with Athletic Club. Personal terms had been agreed between Barcelona and Williams, whose release clause of €62 million ($72.

The mural was defaced after Barca sporting director Deco said they could target the winger, who scored in last year’s European Championship final against England to guide Spain to a record fourth title. Williams’ new release clause is likely to put off Arsenal for now, but the Gunners do remain keen to sign a new wide forward.