According to reports from Spain, Nico Williams is hoping for a move to Barcelona despite being approached by Chelsea.
The 21-year-old was a standout player for Athletic Bilbao in La Liga last season, scoring five goals and providing 11 assists.
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He has maintained his impressive form at Euro 2024, delivering excellent performances for Spain, who are set to face Germany in the quarter-finals on Friday.
Williams’ displays have attracted interest from multiple clubs ahead of the summer transfer window. His performances at the tournament have only increased the attention from these clubs.
Arsenal, Chelsea, and Barcelona have all shown interest in the winger, with reports suggesting that Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta has made Williams a key target to bolster his attack.
Williams’ potential transfer is facilitated by a €55 million (£46.5m) release clause in his contract with Athletic Bilbao.
Spanish newspaper Sport reports that Chelsea have made an approach for Williams through an intermediary. However, the winger prefers a move to Barcelona.
The report suggests that Chelsea have been advised to remain patient during negotiations and could potentially benefit from Barcelona’s financial constraints, which require them to sell players to fund new signings.
Chelsea are reportedly willing to meet Williams’ release clause and offer him a signing-on fee between €15m (£12.7m) and €20m (£16.9m).
When asked about his future last week, Williams said: ‘Everything that comes from outside is good, it means I’m doing my job well. Every kid dreams of being noticed by big clubs.
‘I’m focused on doing well at the European Championship and whatever comes after that I’ll find out because these days I’m totally disconnected.’
In an interview with Sport last week, Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal made it clear that he is keen to see Williams join him at Camp Nou.
‘We get along very well, and you can see that on the pitch too, that we are very close, that we are very good friends, and that is the most important thing to have the connection on the pitch,’ Yamal said.
‘I wish Nico could come to Barca.’
