Nico Williams is keeping his cool amidst the swirling transfer rumours as Barcelona and Arsenal vie for his signature following a stunning Euro 2024 campaign.
The 22-year-old Spanish winger emerged as one of the tournament's best players, netting two goals and setting up another during Spain's triumphant run - including his composed finish in the 2-1 victory over England in the final.
Post-Euro 2024 fever has only amplified the buzz surrounding Williams, with the summer transfer window now in full swing. The Athletic Bilbao winger's contract includes a £49million release clause, a sum that both Arsenal and Barcelona are considering triggering.
Athletic Bilbao boss Ernesto Valverde has been quick to downplay any departure talks, believing that Williams will remain at the club. And the player himself appears unfazed by the transfer chat, sharing an Instagram story of the sunset from a boat, captioned: "calm down".
A product of Athletic Bilbao's esteemed academy, Williams has racked up 122 appearances for the Basque outfit, scoring 20 goals and providing 26 assists across all competitions. With three years remaining on his current deal, Valverde remains confident that Williams's allegiance lies with his team.
"I have no doubts about Nico," he said. "He looks good and happy. This year we have many challenges ahead of us and I'm sure Nico will love to face them. He hasn't been the only player who has had to live with rumours because the market will be open until the end of August.
He's a great player and there may be clubs who might be interested in him, but he's happy with us and we're happy with him. We're counting on Nico for when he returns from the holidays."
Valverde's thoughts have not quietened the links with Barcelona, however. President Joan Laporta not one for subtlety has already assured the club's fans that they have the financial capacity to bring him in. "Economically speaking, we could commit to the signing of Nico Williams," Laporta told Catalunya Radio.
"Nico's a player I like, I like him a lot. "We are working with [coach Hansi] Flick on possible signings. Now we have to leave [sporting director] Deco to close the operations we are working on."
