£42.7m news emerges in Aston Villa hunt to sign Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams

By Callum O'Connell

Aston Villa have turned their attention to Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, who has a £42.7m release clause in his contract, according to Spanish news outlet COPE.

It is reported that having missed out on their number one target Marco Asensio, as the attacking midfielder closes in on a move to PSG, Aston Villa have switched their focus to another Spain international to bolster their attack. 

The Villans’ capabilities to offer significantly higher wages than Bilbao could be the key factor in bringing Williams to Birmingham.

He would be a great signing at a lower price tag

A reported £42.7m buyout clause in Williams’ contract does feel rather ambitious. That price for a 20-year-old full international who played 43 games last season looks realistic on paper given the inflated market, but with just a year remaining on his current deal, Villa could look to bring that price down.

However, with their squad lacking in out-and-out wingers, with Bertrand Traore and Leon Bailey the only other options at the club, it makes sense for Villa to target fresh faces in that role.

The 20-year-old has electric pace and is brilliant in one-on-one situations, with his ability to operate on both wings providing a different style to Villa’s current group of wide players.

Williams managed six goals and five assists across 36 games in La Liga last season, and Unai Emery will be keen to improve those numbers should he arrive at Villa Park over the summer.

In other Aston Villa news, Villa chiefs have jetted out to Spain for talks.