Barcelona have received the race to signal highly-rated winger Nico Williams, with the Athletic Bilbao star verbally agreeing to hitch the Catalan giants this summer season regardless of rival provides from Arsenal, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich.
The 22-year-old Spain worldwide has been one in every of Europe’s standout abilities in current seasons, drawing critical curiosity from a number of high golf equipment after a stellar marketing campaign and spectacular Euro 2024 displaying. Arsenal had thought of activating his €60 million launch clause, whereas Chelsea and Bayern Munich additionally made approaches in current days.
Reviews counsel that Arsenal even tabled a extra profitable monetary bundle than Barcelona, providing Williams a deal price £7.6 million per 12 months. Nonetheless, the winger had his sights set on just one vacation spot—Barcelona.
In keeping with The Athletic, Williams has made it clear that the discharge clause is not going to be a stumbling block, and he’s assured a transfer shall be finalised shortly. The one situation remaining is how Barcelona will match his wages into their already strained wage construction.
Williams’ arrival would see him reunite with Lamine Yamal, forming a probably electrifying wing duo for membership and nation. The transfer doubtless spells the tip of Barcelona’s curiosity in Liverpool’s Luis Diaz, whereas additionally casting doubt on Marcus Rashford’s long-standing want to make a dream swap to Camp Nou.
Rashford is reportedly nonetheless pushing for a transfer, even keen to take a significant wage lower, however Barcelona’s pursuit of further broad gamers could now be over.
The choice can also be a blow to Mikel Arteta’s switch plans at Arsenal. With Rodrygo anticipated to remain at Actual Madrid, and Anthony Gordon remaining a Newcastle mainstay, the Gunners now refocus their seek for a winger whereas additionally working to signal a striker. Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres stay excessive on their record.
Chelsea, in the meantime, are anticipated to proceed exploring broad choices after opting towards maintaining Jadon Sancho on a everlasting foundation.
Williams’ present cope with Athletic Membership runs till 2027, however the Spanish outfit now seem resigned to dropping one in every of their most respected property as Barcelona shut in on one more high-profile acquisition.
