Real Madrid contact Athletic Club over Nico Williams with firm stance – report | OneFootball

Real Madrid have firmly distanced themselves from speculation linking them with a move for Athletic Club forward Nico Williams.

According to a report from Cadena SER (via SPORT), the Spanish giants have officially informed Athletic Club that they have no interest in the 22-year-old winger, and that they are unaware of the source of the transfer rumours connecting them to the player.

Nico Williams has been touted as one of the most sought-after players this summer, with a €58 million release clause that makes him an attractive target for top clubs across Europe.

Given his electric pace, ability to beat defenders, and increasing influence with both Athletic Club and the Spanish national team, it is no surprise that he continues to be at the centre of transfer speculation.

Real Madrid are not interested

However, Real Madrid have made it clear that he is not on their agenda for the upcoming window.

Real Madrid are not interested in Nico Williams. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Sources close to the club insist that there is no interest in signing wide players this summer, as the current attacking roster, featuring the likes of Vinicius Jr., Brahim Diaz, Arda Guler and Kylian Mbappe, already provides sufficient depth and quality on the flanks.

Instead, Real Madrid are focusing their energy and resources on bolstering the midfield. Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz is said to be one of their primary targets, with the German star viewed as a long-term replacement for veterans like Luka Modric.

Wirtz’s technical brilliance, vision, and versatility make him an ideal candidate to fit into a midfield that is already evolving with the likes of Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, and Aurelien Tchouameni.

Despite Real Madrid’s public denial, Nico Williams is expected to remain a hot property throughout the transfer window.

His consistent performances in La Liga and eye-catching displays for Spain have made him a target for Premier League clubs, who admire both his skill set and the relatively accessible release clause.