Chelsea & Arsenal among clubs ‘monitoring’ La Liga star whose contract expires in 2024

Chelsea and Arsenal are two of several clubs, from within the Premier League and beyond, who are believed to be interested in a move for Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, according to a recent report from 90min.

Aged just 21, Williams is regarded as one of the hottest rising stars in world football. Additionally, his contract is set to expire in the summer of 2024, meaning that any interested parties could potentially snap him up on a free transfer - if they are willing to risk the wait.

Williams is having a strong season so far for Bilbao - he has yet to score a goal in La Liga in 2023/24, but he has managed to rack up four assists.

Who else, besides Chelsea and Arsenal, are interested in Nico Williams?

One of the most coveted players in world football at the moment, Chelsea and Arsenal are not alone in their pursuit of Nico Williams. In the Premier League, he is also a target of Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Liverpool, who have all been keeping an eye on his development. Villa, in particular, were in contact with him during the 2023 summer transfer window.

That’s not all - he is also being monitored by Juventus and reigning Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich. As such, competition for Williams’ signature is set to be fierce.

Will Nico Williams sign a new contract with Atletico Bilbao?

As things stand, Williams’ status at Bilbao is unclear. He and the club are currently in the midst of a contract standoff - but club president John Uriate seems confident that the 10-cap Spanish international will commit his future to the Basque club.

Speaking on the possibility of Williams signing a new deal, Uriarte said: “We feel calm about that [Williams’ status at the club]. We think he’s going to extend and stay with us, this will happen. We want an attractive project, feeling sure that Nico Williams will be part of that for many years to come.”