Arsenal & Chelsea scout La Liga star with £43m release clause - report
- Nico Williams has emerged as a star for Athletic Club
- 21-year-old winger recently signed a new contract but reports suggest his release clause remains the same
- Arsenal & Chelsea long-term admirers of Williams
By Tom Gott
Arsenal and Chelsea have both sent scouts to watch Athletic Club winger Nico Williams on a number of occasions, according to a report.
Williams, 21, already has over 100 appearances for his club and is a regular at international level with Spain, having established himself as one of the top wingers in La Liga.
There was significant interest in his services last summer when Williams entered the final year of his contract, but he signed a new four-year deal in December to tie himself to the club until 2027.
According to Fabrizio Romano, that interest remains as both Arsenal and Chelsea are known to have watched Williams up close. The left-sided forward has five goals and ten assists to his name in all competitions this season.
Chelsea were exploring a move for Williams last summer and could reignite their pursuit this year, and it may cost them just €50m (£43m) to secure his signature.
Williams' previous contract contained a release clause of €50m but numerous reports in Spain state that there has been no increase to that figure despite his recent extension, leaving the door open for a move away from the club this summer.
Alongside Arsenal and Chelsea, Williams was of interest to Aston Villa last summer, while plenty of other suitors could emerge if the 21-year-old's clause does indeed remain at €50m.
Williams has spoken openly of his love for his boyhood club - a refusal to leave for free is reported to be behind his decision to sign an extension - and is unlikely to push for an exit, so any club that triggers his exit clause may have a battle to convince him to move.
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