Liverpool ‘jump to the front’ of Nico Williams queue | OneFootball

Liverpool have reportedly ‘jumped to the front of the queue’ to sign Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao.

Arne Slot is plotting an overhaul of his forward line in the summer, with doubts over the immediate futures of Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz. Mohamed Salah’s situation is also unresolved as the Egyptian international approaches the end of his contract at Anfield.

Slot is keen to ease Liverpool’s reliance on Salah. The 32-year-old has been directly involved in 63.77% of the club’s goals in the Premier League this season.

Williams has now emerged as a leading transfer target for the Reds, who are determined to beat competition from Arsenal, Aston Villa, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United to the winger.

According to Spanish outlet TodoFichajes, Liverpool have informed Athletic Bilbao of their intention to meet the Spaniard’s €60m (£50.5m) release clause.

Williams was subject of strong interest from Barcelona last summer after starring during Spain’s success at Euro 2024. The 22-year-old was named in the Team of the Tournament and scored during the 2-1 final win against England.

This season, Williams has scored nine goals and provided seven assists in 37 appearances across all competitions at club level.

He has shone as part of an Athletic Bilbao side pushing for both Champions League qualification in La Liga and Europa League success.

Across the last 12 months, Williams ranks in the top four percent of wingers in Europe’s top-five leagues for progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90 minutes.

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