“I know many club wants me but my dream come first”: Manchester United’s top transfer target Nico Williams has choosen his preferred club ahead of summer transfer window
Nico Williams has cleared the air amid transfer links with Arsenal and Barcelona.
The Spain international is said to be a top target for Arsenal and Barcelona but the winger rejected their interest to stay at the Basque outfit last summer. Those exit rumours have not gone away but for the time being, the 22-year-old is focusing on guiding Athletic Club to Europa League glory this season.
He told Sport: “The dream is to lift the champion’s trophy at San Mamés. I have the opportunity to make history at this club. The dream never ends. I’m 100% focused on tomorrow (Thursday), on reaching the final and winning it. I don’t want to look any further. I’m super happy here and… well. I’ve always wanted to feel important here. This is a 10/10 season for me.”
Williams has a very getable €58 million (£48m/$60m) release clause but that could change if he signs a new deal with his boyhood team. This could be one of the biggest transfer sagas of the summer but it seems the youngster is not pushing for a summer exit. Plus, he appears to be hugely motivated to win the Europa League this term, with the final taking place at the club’s Estadio de San Mames.
Before the Europa League final and the possibility of a transfer move, Williams’ team host Manchester United in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final on Thursday.
Athletic Bilbao manager Ernesto Valverde has warned his side that Manchester United players Rasmus Hojlund, Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt will be dangerous from set-pieces.
United will take on Bilbao in the Europa League semi-final first leg on Thursday night and they have been boosted by the return of De Ligt to training at Carrington ahead of the game.
De Ligt has not played for United since picking up an ankle injury against Nottingham Forest on April 1 and could return to the squad in the Basque Country. Amad could also be available after taking part in the training session.
Valverde spoke to journalists at a press conference on Wednesday afternoon and he discussed United’s threats, suggesting De Ligt will be one to watch from set-pieces if he is fit enough to feature.
“Man United are in a position in the Premier League which is unexpected. But we need to bear in mind we play one of the biggest teams in Europe,” explained Valverde.
“They can win the Europa League in a minute. There are many things we need to consider with United. They are very good at set-pieces with Hojlund, Maguire and De Ligt if he plays, and shooters like Fernandes. They are a big team and have big capabilities. If you focus on one thing you forget about the others.
“It is clear that it’s a very important match in the season and history of our club. We have the possibility to play the final in our stadium and that’s a driving force for us
“10 bad minutes can knock you out and 10 good minutes can keep you alive – that’s what happened to United in the last round [against Lyon at Old Trafford]. These are one-time matches and you need to know how to play them. You need to be ready for any kind of situation.”
Although Valverde identified De Ligt, Maguire and Hojlund as goal threats from dead-ball scenarios, the trio have scored just 15 goals between them in all competitions this season.
