Nico Williams has told Barcelona he is willing to join them this summer, a report has claimed.
The winger is one of Barca’s top transfer targets for the summer window, and they had been hoping to complete his signing before that of Spain teammate Dani Olmo.
But problems arose in talks with Athletic Club, while there seemed to be a hesitancy on Williams’ end regarding the possibility of leaving his boyhood team.
But SPORT write that Barcelona have received the green light from Williams and he wants to join the club this summer, with this step now ‘unblocking’ the final path to an agreement with Athletic.
Though Williams has given his word to Barcelona, they still need to come up with an appropriate payment structure to present to Athletic. The winger’s contract contains a €60m release clause, which Barca would struggle to meet up front.
Olmo’s contract at RB Leipzig also featured a €60m release clause, but sporting director Deco managed to negotiate a deal which was more favourable on Barcelona’s end. However, it’s not known if Athletic would be open to such a creative formula.
Yamal, Williams and Olmo could all be Barcelona players come the end of the month / Eurasia Sport Images/GettyImages
But the feeling from within Barcelona is that Williams’ signing will be wrapped up within the next week, with club president Joan Laporta keen to strengthen the playing squad under new head coach Hansi Flick.
Williams’ potential arrival in Catalonia would reunite him with fellow Euro 2024 star Lamine Yamal, with the wingers leading Spain to glory earlier this summer. The two formed a close bond during the tournament, while Yamal repeatedly admitted he would love to team up with Williams at club level.
Arsenal and Chelsea are among the Premier League teams to have watched over Williams too, but it appears if he is going anywhere this summer, it will be to Barcelona.
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