Barcelona and Real Madrid target Nico Williams no closer to new Athletic contract

Athletic Club are struggling to tie down Real Madrid and Barcelona target Nico Williams down to a new deal, with Premier League suitors keeping a close eye on developments, 90min understands.

The 21-year-old, who made his debut for Spain in 2022 and has gone on to make 10 appearances for the national team, is out of contract in Bilbao at the end of the season.

90min revealed in October that Aston Villa were continuing their pursuit of Williams after failing to land him in the summer, but they are not the only Premier League side interested. Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham also like the tricky winger, who is the younger brother of Bilbao teammate Inaki.

Bayern Munich, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain also have Williams on the radar, as do Barcelona and Real Madrid - who recognise that signing a player of his calibre on a free transfer could represent excellent business.

Williams will be free to discuss a move with foreign clubs in January if he fails to agree a new contract by the end of the year, though 90min understands that he's ready and willing to ink fresh terms if Athletic are prepared to include a reasonable release clause - one that will benefit his career but also the club financially when it comes to parting ways.

Talks are not progressing as well as hoped at this stage, however, with Williams' agent, Felix Tainta, confirming as much to local Basque media.

"In a few months the contract will end, let us not forget this. There is no definitive offer from the club or the player,” he told El Correo.

"The club must listen to the player and must try to reach an agreement that is good for both parties, always starting from the basis that the contract ends in a few months, so that we do not forget. The club knows what the player’s approach is, what he wants."

Williams has previously acknowledged the interest in his services, saying of the possibility of joining one of Europe's biggest clubs: "The fact that great clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona and Premier League clubs want me means I’m doing things well. For me, it's clear what decision I want. My agents are working on it."

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