The buzz around Williams has only intensified since then, with the summer transfer window throwing his future into the spotlight. With a release clause of $63m (£49m) at Athletic Bilbao, both Arsenal and Barca are reportedly ready to make their move, while Liverpool has also been credited with an interest.
Despite the mounting speculation, Athletic Club's boss Ernesto Valverde is playing it cool, confident that Williams isn't going anywhere. The man himself seems just as relaxed, sharing a serene sunset snap on Instagram with the caption: "calm down" accompanied by a head massage emoji.
A product of the Athletic Club youth system, Williams has racked up 122 appearances for the Basque side, notching up 20 goals and 26 assists across competitions. With three years remaining on his current deal, Valverde is certain that Williams's heart remains with Athletic Club.
"I have no doubts about Nico," he said. "He looks good and happy. This year we have many challenges ahead of us and I'm sure Nico will love to face them. He hasn't been the only player who has had to live with rumours because the market will be open until the end of August.
"He's a great player and there may be clubs who might be interested in him, but he's happy with us and we're happy with him. We're counting on Nico for when he returns from the holidays."
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Valverde's comments have not calmed the incessant links with Barcelona, however. Barca players Gavi, Lamine Yamal and Alejandro Balde all commented on his most recent Instagram post which showed Williams wearing a Euro 2024 winners' medal and an Athletic shirt and read: "From the hood to the glory. God's plan is perfect".
Meanwhile, Barca president Joan Laporta not one for subtlety has already assured the club's fans that they have the financial capability to sign him. "Economically speaking, we could commit to the signing of Nico Williams," Laporta told Catalunya Radio. "Nico's a player I like, I like him a lot. We are working with [coach Hansi] Flick on possible signings. Now we have to leave [sporting director] Deco to close the operations we are working on. ".
Liverpool.com says: Williams would be a dream signing for a lot of clubs but as things stand, Liverpool is not expected to step up its interest and make a bid. That leaves Arsenal and Barcelona in the running but reports in Spain suggest Williams would prefer a move to the Nou Camp at this stage.
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