Nico Williams to Arsenal: Romano reveals the state of play

Tom Weber

Updated: 14 Jun 2024 12:32 BST
3 min read

Nico Williams, Athletic Club, Arsenal, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Nico Williams is fully focused on Euro 2024 and won't make a decision on his future anytime soon, according to Fabrizio Romano.

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The Athletic Club winger is set to star for an exciting Spain side at this summer's tournament in Germany. Williams is coming off an impressive domestic campaign and is once again the subject of intense transfer speculation.

One of Europe's most sought-after attacking prospects, the 21-year-old has been heavily linked with an exit from Bilbao, but little concrete has thus far materialised.

Chelsea and Barcelona hold a credible interest in the youngster, but the former are pursuing Crystal Palace star Michael Olise, while the latter likely won't be able to afford Williams' €58 million release clause, despite Spanish media recently claiming that he is holding out for a move to Catalunya.

Finally, Arsenal are keen on the Spain international and FootballTransfers exclusively revealed last month that the Gunners are prepared to trigger his release clause. Williams, however, is currently fully focused on the Euros.

Romano on Williams

Speaking to CaughtOffside, Fabrizio Romano revealed the latest on Williams' future and insisted that no transfer will materialise during Euro 2024. Additionally, he reiterated that signing him could be difficult even though his exit clause is not exorbitantly expensive.

"[It is] completely quiet at the moment, full focus on the Euros. There’s a release clause around €58m, so clubs are informed. But again, Nico is happy in Bilbao and any club should pay big money to the player also, in terms of salary package.”

Indeed, it had previously been reported that the main stumbling block for a move to a Premier League side won't be the transfer fee required to sign him but rather his wage. Williams is already earning very good money at Athletic Club and will demand an even larger salary in the event of a move.