Tom Weber
Tom Weber
Updated: 3 Dec 2024 09:26 GMT
3 min read
Nico Williams, Athletic Club, 2024/25
© IMAGO
Barcelona are no longer in the market for Nico Williams, who is now angling for a Premier League move, according to a report.
The Athletic Club superstar was football's hottest commodity in the summer after inspiring Spain to Euro 2024 success with his scintillating performances on the left wing.
Williams attracted the interest of Arsenal, Chelsea and, above all, Barcelona, who made him their top target. Despite their financial situation, the Blaugrana were ready to pay his €58 million release clause and his hefty wages, which had made Premier League sides back away from any potential deal.
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The 22-year-old, however, decided to remain with his boyhood club in Bilbao with the goal of playing in the Europa League final on home soil at San Mames in 2025. Still, there was always an acceptance that Barcelona would return for him.
But this is no longer the case.
Nico Williams
© IMAGO - Nico Williams
Barcelona out of Williams race
At least that is according to The Athletic, which claims that Barcelona are no longer in the market for Williams. This, in turn, is making him more likely to consider a Premier League transfer, the report goes on to suggest.
The outlet confirms that Arsenal and Chelsea are among his long-term admirers but also adds the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham to that list. Outside of England, Bayern Munich have been keeping tabs on Williams' development in the Basque Country.
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Both Arsenal and Chelsea could be in the market for a left-winger next summer. Mikel Arteta's admiration for Williams is well-known and FootballTransfers understands that Gabriel Martinelli's place in the Gunners' side is far from secure long-term.
Chelsea, meanwhile, could be in the market for a replacement for Mykhailo Mudryk, though the Blues will not entertain a mid-season departure. One thing is clear, Williams will once again be one of the protagonists of the transfer market in 2025.