Arsenal and Liverpool have reportedly held talks with the representatives of Nico Williams, who prefers a move to Barcelona.
According to a report by Graeme Bailey on HITC, Arsenal and Liverpool are interested in Nico Williams. The two Premier League clubs have held talks with the representatives of the Spanish international, whose contract has a release clause worth £43 million. However, the Athletic Club winger has his heart set on joining Barcelona in the summer transfer window.
The rapid rise of Nico Williams
Nico Williams has become a regular for his club and country in the last two years. A native of Pamplona, he spent most of his formative years with CA Osasuna before graduating from the youth division at Athletic Club. The Spaniard established himself as one of the best young prospects in Europe this past season.
The 21-year-old contributed to 27 goals in 37 appearances across all competitions for Athletic Club in the 2023/24 season, finding the back of the net eight times while providing 19 assists. Meanwhile, Williams’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe, including Arsenal, Liverpool, and Barcelona.
A man in demand
The Spanish international can be an upgrade on Gabriel Martinelli if he joins Arsenal in the summer transfer window. Recent reports have claimed that the Gunners are ready to intensify their efforts to sign the Athletic Club winger in the summer transfer window.
Arsenal and Liverpool have had discussions with the Spaniard’s representatives over a possible deal in the summer transfer window. The Reds can do with a wide attacker amid uncertainties surrounding the futures of Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah. However, Nico Williams does not want to join Arsenal or Liverpool and has his heart set on moving to Barcelona.
But Barcelona might not be able to afford the asking price of £43 million due to the never-ending financial issues. However, the Spanish international is ready to wait another year to complete his desired move to Barcelona.
So, Arsenal and Liverpool must look elsewhere to bolster their offensive units in the summer transfer window. Williams will not join either Premier League club as he eagerly waits to complete his desired move to Barcelona.
