Arsenal have been in the market for more firepower and Nico Williams has been on their radar but the Athletic Bilbao winger has agreed to a deal with Barcelona
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Nico Williams is set to move to Barcelona
Nico Williams is set to move to Barcelona(Image: Maciej Rogowski/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Nico Williams has reached an agreement to join Barcelona with the two parties verbally settling on a deal - which could see Arsenal finally miss out on one of their summer targets.
The winger, who was instrumental in Spain winning the Euros last summer, has a £50million release clause but the La Liga champions don't see that as an issue to securing the transfer. Their only challenge will be finding room in their wage budget to register the winger.
That would curtail the possible switch but Barcelona are confident that they can find a solution with the Athletic Bilbao star not concerned after the club gave him assurances that a deal will be done with Marca claiming he has "said yes" to the move.
Moving to Catalunya had a particular appeal to Williams, who has an immensely close relationship with Lamine Yamal. The latter posted an image of them on his social media when a report broke about a move last week.
Barcelona's ideal transfer this summer was thought to be Luis Diaz but Liverpool's reluctance to do business meant they had to turn their attention to Williams. The Colombian's contract at Anfield is winding down but they have no plans to move him on.
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Arsenal though could now be left licking their wounds as their transfer targets heads elsewhere. They want to add more quality to their forward line but are yet to make an major inroads during their summer negotiations with a No 9 also on their radar. Benjamin Sesko is thought to be their priority.
The Athletic understands that Bilbao have accepted that Williams, whom they have fought hard to retain, is set to leave the San Mames for Barcelona in a move that is expected to further strain the clubs’ relationship. Several clubs, including Barcelona, were interested in Williams last summer when he had firmly put himself in the shop window with his international performances. Arsenal, Chelsea, PSG and Liverpool were all keen.
Mikel Arteta
Arsenal have been given a very tricky start to the season
Athletic resisted Barcelona’s advances on that occasion as the club's president Jon Uriarte said: “Athletic Club is financially, socially and sportingly capable of keeping players of the calibre of Nico Williams.”
Williams will join one of Europe's most fearsome front threes with Raphinha, Yamal and Robert Lewandowski proving hugely prolific last term. It remains to be seen how Hansi Flick will fit all the stellar names into his starting XI.
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