Carlo Garganese
Nico Williams, Barcelona
© IMAGO
In a blow to Arsenal and Chelsea, Nico Williams would like to join Barcelona rather than the Premier League giants.
That is according to Sport journalist Toni Juanmarti, who reports that Williams has made it clear that he wants to sign for the Blaugrana when he leaves Athletic Bilbao.
The Blaugrana had been desperate to sign the Athletic Bilbao winger this past summer but were unable to complete a deal for financial reasons.
Arsenal and Chelsea have also been trying to sign Williams over the past several months, and the three teams are all in the race for the 22-year-old winger in 2025.
But Juanmarti reports now that Williams has his heart set on joining Barcelona.
Williams wants to stay in Spain and join up with his Spain international teammates such as Lamine Yamal, Pedri and Gavi.
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This comes as bad news for Arsenal, as it has been reported over the last few weeks that Mikel Arteta has demanded the signing of a top attacker like Williams in January in an attempt to rescue the Gunners’ faltering title challenge.
Chelsea, meanwhile, were thinking a bit further ahead to the summer transfer window.
Williams has a reported transfer release clause of €58 million, which is active to all clubs.
READ MORE: Premier League top scorers 2024/25
Williams at Euro 2024
Williams was one of the stars of Euro 2024 with electric performances as Spain won the trophy.
He scored in the 2-1 final win over England and was one of the players of the tournament.
His best performance was arguably against Italy where he tore apart the right-back Giovanni Di Lorenzo and set up the winner - an own goal by Riccardo Calafiori.
He also scored a fantastic goal in the win over Georgia in the last-16.
Nico Williams at Euro 2024
© IMAGO - Nico Williams at Euro 2024
The 22-year-old Williams is considered one of the most exciting young wingers in all of Europe.
Blessed with lightning pace and dribbling skills, he has a promising future in the game.
After making his debut for Athletic in 2021, Williams has scored 22 goals in 144 games.
He has also scored four goals in 24 games for Spain, and travelled to the 2022 World Cup.
This season he has been a little less productive, with two goals in 22 games.