Barcelona sporting director Deco has reportedly ramped up the talks to sign Nico Williams, a target for Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool.
According to a report by Graeme Bailey on HITC, Nico Williams is the subject of interest from FC Barcelona. The Athletic Club attacker is also a target for Premier League bigwigs like Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool. However, the Catalan outfit’s sporting director, Deco, has intensified the talks to sign the Spanish international, whose release clause is worth £43 million.
The rise and rise of Nico Williams
Nico Williams has become the talk of the town in the football world in the last two years. A graduate of the Athletic Club youth division, the Spaniard is a mainstay in the final third for his club and country and enjoyed an exceptional campaign at UEFA Euro 2024 with La Roja.
The 22-year-old found the back of the net in the final as Spain beat England 2-1, earning a spot in the Team of the Tournament. That came after an excellent campaign in the 2023/24 season, where Williams contributed to 27 goals by finding the back of the net eight times and providing 19 assists in 37 appearances across all competitions. Meanwhile, the youngster’s progress has not gone unnoticed, alerting top clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Barcelona.
A man in demand
Recent reports have claimed that Arsenal and Chelsea view the Spanish international as their priority target for the summer transfer window. The two London giants should not have any qualms about triggering Nico Williams’s release clause of £43 million.
Meanwhile, Liverpool’s interest in Nico Williams is understandable. The Reds are in a spot of bother over the long-term futures of Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah. So, they should have a contingency plan, bringing the Athletic Club attacker into the picture.
However, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool are in a losing battle for Nico Williams’s signature as his heart is set on joining Barcelona. While personal terms should not be an issue, paying £43 million to sign the 22-year-old Spaniard poses a problem for the financially-stricken Barcelona. Nevertheless, Deco has stepped up the talks to sign him from Athletic Club.
The Basque giants have been adamant that Williams will only leave if a suitor triggers his release clause of £43 million. So, it will be interesting to see if Barcelona can negotiate favourable terms to sign the Spanish international, who eagerly waits to join the Blaugrana.
