Chelsea and Aston Villa withdraw interest in Athletic Club winger Nico Williams

Nico Williams' potential departure from Athletic Club has sparked significant interest from top European clubs, particularly in the Premier League and La Liga. Among the suitors are Barcelona, who have identified Williams as a top target for the upcoming transfer window. However, prying him away from his current club presents a formidable challenge.

The 21-year-old winger is armed with a hefty release clause, estimated to be around €60 million, posing a financial hurdle for potential suitors. While Premier League clubs could theoretically meet this demand, both Chelsea and Aston Villa have hesitated due to Williams' wage expectations.

Reports from 90min suggest that Williams commands a weekly wage of €200,000 at Athletic, a figure that would likely escalate if he were to secure a move in the summer. However, this wage demand has proven prohibitive for both Chelsea and Villa, prompting them to withdraw from negotiations, at least for now.

This development comes as a relief for Athletic Club, who aim to retain their prized asset amidst the swirling transfer speculation. Likewise, Barcelona benefits from the reduced competition for Williams' signature, providing them with a clearer path should they decide to pursue the talented winger further.