In recent months, Nico Williams has been increasingly linked with a move away from Athletic Club in the summer. A number of Premier League clubs have registered their interest – as have Barcelona, who consider him to be one of their top targets for the upcoming transfer window. However, prizing him away from Los Leones will be very difficult.

Williams’ release clause at Athletic is believed to be in the region of €60m, which will make it difficult for Barcelona to do a deal, given their financial woes. Premier League clubs can afford this more easily, but for Chelsea and Aston Villa, they also have monetary concerns.

That’s according to 90min, who have reported that both clubs have backed away from a possible arrangement for Williams due to his wage demands. The 21-year-old is reportedly on €200,000-per-week at Athletic, and would ask for a pay rise if he were to leave the club in the summer.

Both Chelsea and Villa are unwilling to pay Williams this amount of money, which has seen them end their interest for the time being. Athletic Club will be happy about that, and so will Barcelona, whose competition has decreased by two.

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