Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona fired warning over Nico Williams transfer
- Williams wanted by Europe's elite after dazzling Euro 2024 campaign
- €58m release clause of interest to Arsenal, Chelsea & Barcelona
- Athletic manager Ernesto Valverde not interested in sale
By Tom Gott
Athletic Club manager Ernesto Valverde has warned suitors of winger Nico Williams that he does not believe the 22-year-old wants to leave the club this summer.
Williams played his way on to the transfer radars of Europe's elite last season and took his stock to new heights with a starring role for Spain at Euro 2024. Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona are all known admirers.
The winger is currently away on holiday after his exploits this summer and Valverde has insisted Athletic are eagerly awaiting his return.
"I have no doubts about Nico," Valverde told the media. "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.
"We aspire to have the best players and that they want to be with us. We have a year for which we are very excited. We have a very good team and if we can improve it, we will do so."
Williams' release clause of €58m (£48.9m) represents incredible value in today's transfer market, but 90min understands Chelsea have already shown concern over the winger's high wage demands. He is said to be earning close to €200,000 per week and Chelsea are reluctant to go so high.
Reports suggest Williams' preference would be to join Barcelona, where a number of his fellow Spain internationals have publicly urged him to move. Lamine Yamal has made no secret of his desire to play alongside his close friend at club level and midfielder Pedri recently sent a plea of his own to Williams.
"He would be a great signing for Barca," Pedri told The Residency. "At the Euros, we all saw what he is capable of doing."
Williams is reported to have been given until August 12 to rest up after Euro 2024 and he is expected to make a decision on his future before his return.
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