Real Madrid transfer news: Los Blancos 'eyeing £49m Spain star' as replacement for unsettled Rodrygo

Real Madrid are reportedly giving serious consideration to moving for Athletic Bilbao attacker Nico Williams during this summer's transfer window.

The 22-year-old has scored 11 times and registered seven assists in 44 appearances for Athletic this season, but he has only found the back of the net on five occasions in Spain's top flight this term.

Barcelona activated the €58m (£49m) release clause in his Athletic contract last summer, but he decided to remain at San Mames in the hope of leading the Lions to Europa League glory this term.

Ernesto Valverde's side were knocked out in the semi-finals of the competition by Manchester United, though, with Williams missing the second leg of their last-four contest through injury.

Arsenal continue to be linked with Williams, but it is understood that Barcelona have cooled their interest, as the Catalan team are not looking to bring in a left-sided forward this term.

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Real Madrid 'seriously considering Williams move'

According to Marca, Real Madrid are considering making a move for the Spain international, with the attacker emerging as a 'very attractive prospect' for the capital giants.

The report claims that Los Blancos view Williams as the ideal replacement for Rodrygo, with the Brazil international potentially leaving Bernabeu during this summer's transfer window.

Rodrygo, who has 13 goals and 10 assists in 50 outings this term, has admirers from the Premier League, and the capital giants will need to bring in another forward if the former Santos youngster does move on at the end of the season.

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Real Madrid could change formation next season

Real Madrid could switch to a 3-4-3 system next season, with Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso widely expected to arrive as Carlo Ancelotti's replacement.

Kylian Mbappe will again lead the Los Blancos attack in 2025-26, with the France international scoring 41 times in all competitions during an excellent first season at Bernabeu.

There remain question marks surrounding Vinicius Junior, though, as the Brazil international continues to be linked with a big-money switch to the Saudi Pro League.

Williams, who is a left-sided forward, is a bargain option considering his release clause, and with the Spain international proven at the top level, it is not difficult to understand why Los Blancos are said to be eyeing a move this summer.

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Written by
Matt Law