Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams says he has told his inner circle he does not want to hear about speculation over his future as he gets ‘distracted easily’ and needs to ‘focus’ on Spain’s Euro 2024 campaign.
Williams enjoyed an eye-catching season with Athletic last term, racking up five goals and 11 assists in La Liga, and the winger has taken his barnstorming form into this summer’s European Championship, where his stock continues to rise.
The 21-year-old has arguably been Spain’s standout performer in Germany and his outstanding displays have put him front and centre in the shop window, with Europe’s elite battling it out for his signature this summer.
Barcelona and Arsenal have been credited with a strong interest in Williams – as they look to revamp their attacks for next season – and the latest reports emanating out of Spain claim Chelsea have approached the player’s intermediaries over a proposed switch to Stamford Bridge.
Williams, who has a €55 million (£46.5m) release clause in his contract, is ‘excited’ by the prospect of Athletic playing in a home Europa League final in Bilbao next season but refused to make any assurances over his future.
‘Of course I am excited. But I am focused on the Euros,’ he added.
‘That is a long way off. Next year, nobody knows what will happen.
‘Whatever has to happen, will come.’