Barcelona are said to have reached a preliminary contractual agreement with Nico Williams after meeting the player's agent on Monday.
Arsenal are one of multiple clubs linked with Williams over the last two summer transfer windows, as Mikel Arteta is a huge admirer of the Spain international. However, the player's anticipated wage demands have always appeared problematic to the Gunners agreeing on any deal.
The same seems true for Chelsea, who have a strict wage structure and notably did not sign Jadon Sancho permanently this summer for salary-related reasons. Bayern Munich are another club credited with an interest in Williams.
Barcelona, however, appears to be the frontrunner, with French media outlet Foot Mercato reporting all parties agree over the player's prospective contract. That deal is said to be worth €72million (£62million) over six years, so €12million (£10million) each season and just short of £200,000 per week.
Combined with the player's circa €60million (£51million) release clause, the total deal would cost €132million (£113million). Due to their well-documented financial situation, there had previously been questions about whether the Catalan club could afford such an outlay this summer.
However, these reports come a day after The Athletic acknowledged Arsenal and Chelsea have somewhat cooled their pursuit of the player. They also shared that Williams has a new contract proposal from Athletic Club on the table, with whom his current contract expires in two years.
There is, though, also said to be an offer from Bayern, with the stated potential for the player to receive a second proposal from the Bundesliga champions. Barcelona, however, appeals the most to Williams.
He and Lamine Yamal are close, as often evidenced while away with the Spain national team. It would represent staying relatively close to Bilbao, where his brother, Inaki, has always and will seemingly continue to play.