Nico Williams’ €50m release clause could tempt Arsenal, according to reports in Spain, with the player performing well at the World Cup.

AL KHOR, QATAR: Nico Williams of Spain in action during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group E match between Spain and Germany at Al Bayt Stadium on November 27, 2022. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
AL KHOR, QATAR: Nico Williams of Spain in action during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group E match between Spain and Germany at Al Bayt Stadium on November 27, 2022. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Goal Espana report that Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams (not to be confused with former Liverpool full-back Neco Williams) has a €50m release clause, which reportedly could tempt one of Liverpool, PSG, Arsenal, or Chelsea into a move.

The four clubs are reportedly “on duty” for Williams, who has a contract with his current club until 2024. Given the player’s progress, Bilbao will be keen to extend that deal.

20-year-old Williams has made 15 appearances for his club this season, scoring four goals and assisting four from the right wing.

That form earned the youngster his debut in September, and after he provided an assist in his second substitute appearance of the break, he earned a World Cup call-up.

Scoring in Spain’s pre-tournament friendly against Jordan, Williams was handed a couple of substitute appearances against Costa Rica and Germany, followed by a start against Japan.

That progress is sure to draw the attention of plenty of top clubs, though €50m (£42.9m) is a lot of money for a player with fewer than 100 senior appearances for club and country.

Athletic Bilbao's Spanish forward Nico Williams controls the ball during the Spanish League football match between Sevilla FC and Athletic Club Bilbao at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium in Seville on October 8, 2022. (Photo by CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP via Getty Images)
Athletic Bilbao’s Spanish forward Nico Williams controls the ball during the Spanish League football match between Sevilla FC and Athletic Club Bilbao at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium in Seville on October 8, 2022. (Photo by CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP via Getty Images)

Any interested club may well try and negotiate a lower price, considering the player’s contract situation. Arsenal could be in the mix for a winger, particularly with Nicolas Pepe likely to leave in the near future.

For the time being, Spain have progressed to the knockout stages of the World Cup, so that’s where Williams’ focus will remain.