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Arsenal and Barcelona are both chasing Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams following his impressive performances for Spain during their victorious campaign at Euro 2024.
Nico Williams is trying not to get caught up in the speculation over his future as Barcelona and Arsenal battle for his signature.
Williams was one of the stand-out players at Euro 2024, lighting up the tournament on Spain’s left wing. The 22-year-old grabbed two goals and an assist in Germany, with one of his strikes coming in Spain’s 2-1 win over England in the final.
His performances at Euro 2024 only increased the hype around him, and with the summer transfer window open, that has not diminished. Williams has a £49million (€58m) release clause in his contract with Athletic Bilbao and both Arsenal and Barca are interested in triggering it.
Athletic Club manager Ernesto Valverde has moved to quell the excitement in his player by insisting that Williams will stay put. And the man himself seems unconcerned about his future, too. Posting a picture of a sunset from the side of a boat on his Instagram story, he simply wrote: “calm down” with a head massage emoji.
Williams came through the Athletic Club academy system and has made 122 appearances for his boyhood club, contributing 20 goals and 26 assists in all competitions. He has three years left on his contract and Valverde is convinced he knows where his heart lies.
"I have no doubts about Nico,” he said. “He looks good and happy. This year we have many challenges ahead of us and I'm sure Nico will love to face them. He hasn't been the only player who has had to live with rumours because the market will be open until the end of August.
"He's a great player and there may be clubs who might be interested in him, but he's happy with us and we're happy with him. We're counting on Nico for when he returns from the holidays."
Valverde’s sober thoughts have not calmed the incessant links with Barcelona, however. Barca players Gavi, Lamine Yamal and Alejandro Balde all commented on his most recent Instagram post which showed Williams wearing a Euro 2024 winners’ medal and an Athletic shirt and read: “From the hood to the glory. God's plan is perfect”.
Meanwhile, Barca president Joan Laporta – not one for subtlety – has already assured the club’s fans that they have the financial capability to sign him. "Economically speaking, we could commit to the signing of Nico Williams," Laporta told Catalunya Radio. "Nico's a player I like, I like him a lot.
"We are working with [coach Hansi] Flick on possible signings. Now we have to leave [sporting director] Deco to close the operations we are working on."
- Felix Keith, Sports Reporter
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