Nico Williams is not on Real Madrid’s summer transfer radar, despite a wave of speculation linking the Athletic Bilbao winger with a move to the Spanish giants.
The 22-year-old, who impressed with 11 goals and 7 assists across 45 matches this season, was recently at the centre of online rumours claiming he was close to joining the Madrid club.
The rumour sparked excitement on social media and raised questions about Real Madrid’s next steps under their new manager, Xabi Alonso.
However, the report has since been debunked by Spanish outlet El Chiringuito, which confirms that the club has shown no actual interest in pursuing the winger.
Real Madrid’s focus this summer is on revamping their squad following a disappointing campaign both domestically and in Europe. The arrival of Dean Huijsen and the appointment of Alonso signal the start of what could be a transformative transfer window for the club.
While several high-profile names are being considered, sources close to the club maintain that Nico Williams is not among them.
This is not the first time the young forward has been caught up in transfer speculation. Following a stellar run with Athletic Bilbao and an impressive showing at EURO 2024, Williams was reportedly close to joining Barcelona last year. However, despite negotiations, the deal fell through, and Williams chose to remain at San Mamés for the 2024–2025 season.
The resurgence of the Real Madrid rumour appears to have stemmed from strategic manoeuvring, with some analysts suggesting it may be an attempt by Athletic Bilbao to elevate the player’s market value ahead of potential negotiations.
Williams’ release clause, estimated at €50 million, makes him an attractive prospect for Europe’s top clubs, but Madrid has made no moves to trigger it.
With Barcelona stepping away and Madrid no longer a credible option, the spotlight turns to the rest of Europe. The winger’s performances have not gone unnoticed, and several clubs outside La Liga are said to be monitoring his situation closely.
Among them is Premier League side Arsenal, which has reportedly shown keen interest in his development and consistency over the past season.
Williams’ combination of pace, flair, and goal involvement makes him a desirable addition for any top-level side.
At just 22, he has matured into a key figure for both his club and the national team, with many observers believing he is ready to make the leap to a more competitive league.
With the summer window approaching, uncertainty surrounds Williams’ future. Whether he remains in Spain or takes on a new challenge abroad, one thing is clear: the Basque winger is poised for the next big step in his career. But for now, the idea of him in a Real Madrid shirt remains nothing more than a rumour without substance.
