Unai Emery 'pushing' Aston Villa to revive interest in £47.1m Chelsea and Tottenham target

Aston Villa are reportedly set to revive their interest in Nico Williams this summer after a failed attempt to sign the Athletic Bilbao forward 15 months ago.

Wanted by an array of other Premier League clubs including Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, 21-year-old Williams has become a vital player despite his tender age. The Basque Country native has already racked up 117 senior appearances since his debut in 2021, contributing 18 goals and 21 assists over that period.

Villa triggered Williams’ €50 million (£42.8 million) release clause in January 2023 but the 13-time Spain international opted to stay. He later signed a contract extension, keeping him in Bilbao until 2027, but Spanish outlet Estadio Deportivo claims the release clause only increased slightly – to €55 million (£47.1 million).

It’s become abundantly clear over the last year or so that Unai Emery is desperate to get his man. But Williams’ older brother, Iñaki, claimed in November his sibling remains settled.

"I know that my brother is happy in Bilbao. We are fulfilling my parents’ dream, whatever has to be, will soon be.

“We are happy at home. We are from here and we have grown up in Athletic, which is the club that has formed us and has given us the opportunity to fulfil our dreams,” Iñaki said.

Lots of convincing will be needed for Villa to sign Williams, then, but GiveMeSport claims the Champions League chasers are determined and hopeful a transfer can be agreed with all parties. Emery staying at Villa Park is said to give the Villans’ an edge, too, with Williams likelier to move to join a Spanish manager.