Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Aston Villa’s interest in Athletic Bilbao striker Nico Williams but believes that the player won’t be leaving the La Liga side in the coming days.
The Lowdown: New forward wanted after Duran
NSWE have brought in teenage forward Jhon Duran this month from Chicago Fire but have sold Villa's top 2022/23 scorer in Danny Ings to West Ham.
Duran and Ollie Watkins are the club’s only centre-forward options available to Unai Emery, although the club still want to bring in a new striker before Tuesday’s deadline.
The Latest: Romano’s comments
Villa have been linked with a move for Williams this month, with The Daily Mail claiming that the Spaniard - who has been dubbed 'phenomenal' by Football Talent scout Jacek Kulig - rejected a move to Villa Park.
Romano shared what he’s been ‘told’ about the situation to GiveMeSport, confirming the Villans' interest in the 20-year-old, but he added that a winter exit from Bilbao is unlikely.
The Italian said in relation to Villa: “I think they will try for many players; for Nico Williams, it’s true that they have an interest, but from what I’m told, Nico Williams is not leaving now. So he’s not leaving in January unless something crazy happens in the final days.”
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The Verdict: Look elsewhere?
It looks as if Villa could be chasing a lost cause when it comes to Williams, who has outperformed Ollie Watkins this season, as per WhoScored metrics.
They have already brought in an exciting young forward in Duran, so it could be wise for Emery and NSWE to move on to alternative targets, potentially a forward who has plenty of experience.
Lyon’s Moussa Dembele has been linked in recent weeks, and with the Frenchman out of contract in the summer, he could be a smart stop-gap addition for the second half of the season.
The 26-year-old has scored goals on a regular basis for Celtic and Lyon, so you could make the argument to pursue Dembele instead, with an approach already made and a bargain £3m fee mooted.