Athletic Club are eager to secure Nico Williams’ future amidst growing interest from the likes of Arsenal, Barcelona and Bayern Munich. Jon Uriarte, the president of the Basque club, is hopeful of retaining the Euro 2024 champion beyond the summer transfer window, but acknowledges the challenge given Williams’ status as one of Europe’s most sought-after talents.
Arsenal have identified Williams as their prime target on the wing, with new sporting director Andrea Berta already understood to have held discussions with the player’s agent Felix Tainta about a possible move. However, the stumbling block for the Gunners and other suitors is Williams’ hefty release clause and the substantial wage package he would demand to leave his childhood club.
The 22-year-old’s release clause stands at £48.5million plus taxes, pushing the total cost to approximately £51m. Athletic Club insist that this fee must be paid in full upfront, not in staggered payments.
Additionally, according to the Mirror, Bilbao’s head honcho Uriarte intends to offer Williams and his team the opportunity to enter formal contract talks. However, sources have stressed that there are currently no active discussions or negotiations regarding a contract extension. He will have two years left on his current contract, signed in late 2023, at the end of this season.
While Barcelona dream of signing Williams, their financial woes could scupper any potential deal unless they can free up significant funds. Barca’s sporting director Deco is also a fan of Liverpool‘s Luis Diaz and has good ties with the Colombian’s agency As1.
Despite the speculation, the Spanish international is reportedly unfazed about his future and wants to focus on finishing the season strongly with Athletic, who are currently fourth in La Liga and on track for Champions League qualification. His older brother, Inaki, is set to become club captain for the 2025-26 season, which Bilbao hope might convince Williams to stay for at least another year.
The prospect of lifting the Europa League trophy at San Mames on May 21 is a tantalising one in the Basque country. If Williams were to seek a new challenge in the coming months, winning a European title on home turf, following last season’s Copa del Rey triumph, would be an ideal farewell.
Chelsea could also join the race, having had the fast forward on their radar back in 2023. That summer, Aston Villa also showed interest in the highly sought-after attacker, and Unai Emery even travelled to the Basque Country for private talks with Williams.
This article originally appeared on the Mirror.
However, his efforts were unsuccessful, despite claims that Villa were prepared to activate the release clause. During previous contract negotiations, Williams and his team made it clear they did not want an unrealistic buy-out clause included, fearing it would make a move too expensive.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk