Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams is set to be at the centre of Premier League approaches this summer, with Tottenham Hotspur keeping an eye on the Spain international’s situation.
Williams, 21, has been on the radar of the top-flight’s bigger spenders following his emergence at the Basque club over the past three seasons, with clubs weighing up deals to meet a £42.8million buyout clause in his contract.
Spurs are monitoring the winger as they assess whether additions are needed in that area of Ange Postecoglou’s squad when the window opens. Chelsea have also looked at him, although their priority is an out-and-out striker.
There is expected to be intense competition for Williams after his progress at Athletic continued this season. Last week he helped his club win the Copa del Rey, ending their 40-year wait for silverware. He played alongside his brother Iñaki, 29, and afterwards the pair were pictured in an emotional embrace as they celebrated.
After winning the cup, he told Diario AS: “I have many years left here, I am calm and happy. I can’t wait to get to Bilbao to celebrate.”
That is unlikely to prevent interest in his signature this summer. Williams has started mainly on the left but can play on either flank and after coming through the ranks at Athletic and their reserve team, he made his breakthrough in the 2021/22 season and has been a regular ever since.
The first of his 13 caps for Spain came last season and he is expected to be in the European Championship squad this summer under Luis de la Fuente. He signed a new contract in December, with his fresh terms lasting until 2027.
Athletic have moved to sign Álvaro Djaló from Braga, who plays in the left-sided attacking role that Williams has been occupying.
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