Aston Villa Have complete £43m Nico Williams signing as Unai Emery stance emerges
Dan Bardell believes Aston Villa may reignite their interest in Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams this summer due to his release clause, despite having been rejected by the Spaniard previously.
The Villans have had a superb campaign that could end with them securing a place in the Champions League for next season.
With that being possible, Unai Emery will have to add to his squad over the summer transfer window to be up to the required level.
GiveMeSport reported on 24 April that Emery “really wants” to sign 21-year-old Williams, with Villa “serious” about getting a deal done this summer.
Fabrizio Romano reported on 7 March that the Spain attacker has a release clause of £43million, which Bardell believes might be enough to tempt Villa despite being rebuffed by him in the summer.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Bardell said: “There’s obviously something in it because Villa wanted him last season and he was Emery’s first choice as a forward player. Villa needs to sign someone who’s capable of playing as a striker who is also multifunctional.
“I believe that Williams has the attributes to play as a striker at times to give Villa an alternative to Watkins so he doesn’t run himself into the ground.
“I do think a forward player of that type will be brought in, in the summer. The problem is he hasn’t been keen on the move before.
“The Champions League might help but it’s so hard to get Basque players from Bilbao as the players are so committed to that club.
“It’s potentially a difficult one to get over the line but that £43m release clause feels really low so he would be a smart signing.”
Should Aston Villa sign Nico Williams?
The Villans may be in the market for an attacking option ahead of next season, especially if Jhon Duran departs the club.
This season Ollie Watkins has been the go-to man with 19 goals and 12 assists in the Premier League this campaign [FotMob].
Add to this the impact of Leon Bailey off the right wing with ten goals and nine assists [FotMob], Villa have been fired towards a top-four spot.
Moving into next campaign, should they qualify for the Champions League, the squad is going to need filling out with additional quality.
Williams could be an ideal option for Emery as a versatile option who can play on either flank and as a striker.
This season he has scored four and assisted eight across 25 starts for Bilbao with them currently sitting fifth in La Liga [FotMob].
He would certainly excite Villa fans with his ability to get on the ball and get at his marker. According to Fbref, he has made 5.66 progressive carries and 3.90 successful take-ons per 90 this season which puts him amongst the best in Europe.
