Arsenal and Chelsea both made moves to sign Barcelona target Nico Williams during the recently concluded transfer window.
According to Matteo Moretto via CaughtOffside, Premier League giants Arsenal and Chelsea both made enquiries about Atheltic Club star forward Nico Williams during the summer. Both clubs were keen on adding more firepower to their attack and the Spanish international was a top target for them.
Williams came up the ranks at Athletic Club and he has been a part of their first team setup since the summer of 2021. At 22, he is already a mainstay at the Spanish club and was one of their standout performers last season.
He was involved in 37 matches and ended up contributing towards 27 goals (8 goals, 19 assists). The young winger carried his form into Euro 2024 and played a big part in Spain’s triumph. His performances didn’t go unnoticed as multiple top clubs were keen on signing him during the recently concluded transfer window.
Barcelona were favourites to secure his services and multiple reports suggested that they were on the verge of striking a deal. But, their financial situation didn’t allow them to get it over the line. On top of that, Williams was keen on competing in Europe with his childhood club.
Matteo Moretto on Nico Williams transfer saga
Apart from the Catalan giants, there was significant interest in his services from the Premier League. Moretto has revealed that both Chelsea and Arsenal knocked on the doors of Atheltic Club as they explored a potential deal for the 22-year-old.
In his column for CaughtOffside, the transfer expert suggested that the Williams saga could soon be back on track. He wrote: “For me, the Nico Williams saga could be back in play at some point down the line, because Barcelona are still interested in him,”
“The parties did not close a deal in part due to the finances, but also due to personal preference. Williams decided to stay, and as he voiced himself, he is still excited by the prospect of wearing the Athletic Club shirt in Europe. Those two reasons are why he stayed there.
“I still think Barcelona will be an option next summer. This summer, Chelsea enquired but did not move due to his salary demands, other outlets have said there was an offer from Aston Villa, but I don’t have information on that. Arsenal also enquired but did not make a move.”
Arsenal & Chelsea made enquiries about Williams
Both Premier League clubs were keen on adding more depth on the flanks and they were ready to battle Barcelona. They made an enquiry about his services but things didn’t go according to plan. Chelsea eventually ended up signing Pedro Neto from Wolves while Arsenal secured the services of Raheem Sterling on a temporary basis.
While Barcelona are still the favourites to secure his services as they have a year to get their finances in line, they could face stiff competition from the Blues as well as the Gunners. Mikel Arteta’s team could be best placed to sign him as they will have room on their wage bill as well as place in their squad once Sterling returns to his parent club.
