Nico Williams: Top Premier League option revealed as one doubt remains over Athletic Club star

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 16 May 2025 02:24 CDT
• 4 min read

Analysis

Nico Williams appears on the transfer shortlist of no fewer than five Premier League clubs, according to TBR Football.

The Athletic Club player has been heavily linked with a transfer for well over a year, yet he decided to remain in Bilbao last summer and has shown such conviction in his decision making over his career that he is unlikely to depart unless he is certain it is for the best.

Nico, who has a €58 million release fee in his Athletic contract, was so bold as to reject Barcelona and Arsenal 12 months ago, but could he be lured to England this summer? If so, who is best to sign him?

Current ETV

Nico Williams

M (L)

Athletic

Nico Williams

M (L)

Athletic

€76.7M

ETV Range

€69.1M - €84.4M

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What Premier League clubs want to sign Nico Williams?

The five Premier League teams that want to sign Nico Williams are as follows:

• Arsenal
• Chelsea
• Liverpool
• Manchester City
• Newcastle United

Nico Williams’ future has been analysed by SciSports’ Career Advice tool, which analyses the best destinations for players based on many factors. Among these are playing time, potential development, playing style and formation.

According to this analysis, Nico should forget about going to Liverpool. With a Club Fit score of 64 largely due to a potential lack of playing time and a style that does not suit him, the Anfield club are clearly his poorest option.

Manchester City and Chelsea rank in the middle ground, scoring 69 and 71 respectively. Again, playing time is expected to be an issue but in terms of style and formation, both of these clubs are reasonable fits for the younger Williams brother.

Newcastle, meanwhile, offer the Spain international star a strong stylistic fit, helping them achieve a Club Fit of 75. The St James’ Park side, who FootballTransfers revealed are eyeing a spectacular move for Xavi, arguably offer him the best all-round package.

Arsenal offer Nico Williams his best Club Fit of 78, however. While there are doubts over his playing time after a somewhat indifferent season by his high standards, in terms of playing time and formation, he is a great fit for Mikel Arteta’s side, with SciSports’ projecting that he will one day become a key player at the Emirates.

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