Chelsea and Arsenal primed for battle as Euro 2024 star makes release clause look cheap

Nico Williams is hot property. A number of top European clubs, including Arsenal and Chelsea, are reportedly interested in the Athletic Bilbao star, who has vowed to resolve his future after Euro 2024.

The tournament itself is set to boost Williams’ chances of getting a dream move – wherever that may lead him. The 21-year-old was unstoppable on the left in Spain’s 1-0 win over Italy, clattering the crossbar with a spectacular effort and terrorising full-back Giovanni Di Lorenzo.

Williams was a danger whenever he got on the ball in Gelsenkirchen, surpassing the performance of the much-hyped Spanish wonderkid Lamine Yamal on the opposite flank.

All Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal and Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea would have to fork out for Williams this summer, provided they’re able to convince him to join, is the reported £43million value of his Athletic Bilbao release clause.

The two London clubs are believed to be keeping tabs on Williams’ situation, although a move is unlikely to materialise until after the Euros, as the winger has made it clear that he wants to pour all of his efforts into succeeding in Germany.

“I am very happy at Athletic,” Williams told radio station COPE. “It is the club that has given me everything, it is the club that has bet on me 100 per cent. I am very happy in Bilbao and that is what I have to say.

“I have it quite clear. Athletic is my home, I am very happy and what I want to do is focus on the Euros, which is very important because if you are not 100 per cent in a competition like this, it will pass you by.

“I do not know what is going to happen. I have told my representatives that I do not want to know anything until the Euros is over. I am 100 per cent focused and my desire is to win the Euros.”

If his performances at the Euros are anything to go by, Williams, who is also a target for Barcelona, could be a bargain at £43m. Chelsea forked out more than twice that sum for Mykhaylo Mudryk, who plays in the same position as the Spaniard and has underwhelmed since landing at Stamford Bridge.

Williams finished last season with five goals and 11 assists in La Liga. He has been on the books in Bilbao, alongside his brother Inaki, for over a decade, scoring 20 goals in 122 appearances overall.