Athletic Club winger Nico Williams has been linked with Chelsea, Arsenal, and Liverpool in recent weeks and months, but the Spain international is expected to make Barcelona his first choice for a summer move. Williams has emerged from the shadow of his older brother Inaki in recent seasons, and at 21, he is lighting up Euro 2024 with Spain alongside 16-year-old Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal.
What brings Nico Williams to the limelight?
His performances in the tournament, following consecutive La Liga seasons, have made him an understandable target for clubs wanting to create the next great thing. While Chelsea are mentioned as competition, SPORT reports that Williams’ “priority” is Barcelona. And, having apparently established contact through an intermediary, the Premier League club has been notified of this. Chelsea has more financial resources on their side, with the report noting that there is a willingness to provide an annual salary of €15m-€20m (£12.7m-£16.9m), which is more than double the €7.8m (£6.6m) he presently earns in Bilbao. From west London, it would also be easier to meet a €60 million (£50.8 million) release clause that would have to be paid up front.
Arsenal and Liverpool are also in a better situation than Barcelona, who remains subject to La Liga’s 1:4 spending limitations despite recent optimism about getting their finances in line sooner rather than later. Barcelona’s chances of a transaction are likely to hinge on generating funds through other ways first, hoping that Williams is patient enough to wait, and exploring the idea of partnering with Yamal at club level. The adolescent phenom has previously stated his desire to be reunited with his Spain teammate at Camp Nou.
Mundo Deportivo has a more bullish attitude, admitting that signing Williams is not always easy but saying it might be accomplished by cashing in on Raphinha. Chelsea and Aston Villa were originally rumored to have dropped out of the battle for Williams, but Athletic’s president voiced confidence that the Spain star would remain at the club beyond the summer transfer window.
