Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta declined to comment directly on reported interest in Athletic Club’s Nico Williams this summer, stating, “You can’t talk about these things. I can say that it is indeed a piece of footballer that you enjoy every week here and in the selection and little more.” The London club was reportedly interested in Williams as a potential replacement for Martinelli, but ultimately saw Crystal Palace sign Eze for £80 million.Arteta’s comments came ahead of a return to San Mamés, a city he described as a frequent family destination.”20 years ago I left the Royal Society in another role (player), and my whole family lands here when we come to the Basque Country,” he said.”The soccer atmosphere is breathed as you arrive.I had never been in the new San Mamés and I am looking forward to having the experience of living what is lived in this stadium.”
The Arsenal manager also praised Athletic Club coach Ernesto valverde, responding to Valverde’s earlier statement calling Arteta one of the best coaches in the world.”For me Ernesto is a reference,” Arteta said. “He has been in this profession for 20 years and on each site that goes has left his mark in two ways: sports successes and his behavior,his humanity. It does everything with a naturalness that,from my personal perspective,distinguishes it from many coaches in the world. I appreciate what he said.”
