Nico Williams has seen his stock rise sky-high in recent weeks following his exploits for Spain in the Euros 2024. The 22-year-old, along with Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal, was instrumental in La Roja’s title-clinching run in the tournament.
Opposition defenses did not have an answer to the two Spanish wingers who constantly chipped in with goals and assists throughout the tournament. Nico scored twice and provided an assist in six games in the competition, including the opener against England in the finals.
Yamal scored once and provided four assists in seven appearances. Spain manager Luis de la Fuente praised his young duo for their performances, stating: “They have a gift from God.”
Barcelona have been heavily linked with a move for the Athletic Club winger. Club president Joan Laporta has already stated that the club has the financial means to make a move for the 22-year-old transfer target this summer.
Nico has a release clause in his contract with the Basque club for around €58m and Athletic Club have made it very clear that any interested club will have to pay the amount in full.
FC Barcelona are negotiating to try and agree to a six-year contract with the Spanish forward which would help in the amortization of the amount. Of course, all this is subject to the La Liga giants meeting the 1:1 rule criteria this summer.
However, as per a recent report from SPORT, it has now emerged that Barcelona face two threats in the form of Premier League clubs in their pursuit of Nico Williams. Even though Deco & co. are ahead in negotiations, Chelsea and Arsenal continue to fight for the player’s signature.
New Blues manager Enzo Maresca wants the West London club to sign the 22-year-old, and the club has already laid the long-term groundwork for the player. Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta and Arsenal have identified Nico as the ‘chosen one’ for the left wing.
However, in such transfer battles, the final decision almost always comes down to the player, and this is where Barcelona have the upper hand. Given that he is Spanish and has many friends in the Barcelona dressing room, like Yamal, Fermin, and Balde, there is a good chance that Nico will prioritize the Catalan club.
Nico Williams seems to be Barcelona’s answer to Real Madrid signing Kylian Mbappe. Such a signing would be a statement of intent from Joan Laporta’s board that they are not here to mess around.
If the Spain games are any indication, Nico and Yamal are destined to bring joy to Barcelona fans for years to come and the Blaugranes must do everything in their might (within reason of course) to make this deal happen.