Nico Williams has dealt a setback to Arsenal and Chelsea, expressing his preference for joining the La Liga giants’ side over the Premier League heavyweights.
According to Sport journalist Toni Juanmarti, Nico Williams has made it clear he intends to join Barcelona when he leaves Athletic Bilbao. The Blaugrana were keen to sign the 22-year-old winger last summer but couldn’t finalize the deal due to financial constraints. Arsenal and Chelsea have also pursued Williams in recent months, with all three clubs vying for his signature in 2025. However, Juanmarti reports that Williams is determined to stay in Spain and play alongside his national teammates, including Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and Gavi, at Barcelona.
This development is a setback for Arsenal, as reports in recent weeks suggest Mikel Arteta has prioritized signing a top attacker like Williams in January to bolster the Gunners’ struggling title bid. Chelsea, on the other hand, had been eyeing a potential move for the winger during the summer transfer window. Williams is reportedly available to all clubs via a €58 million release clause.
Williams was a standout performer at Euro 2024, delivering electrifying displays as Spain clinched the title. He scored in the 2-1 final victory over England and was among the tournament’s top players. His most memorable performance came against Italy, where he dominated right-back Giovanni Di Lorenzo and created the decisive own goal by Riccardo Calafiori. Williams also netted a stunning goal in Spain’s last-16 win over Georgia.
Nico Williams would still like to join Barcelona.
(Source: @tjuanmarti) pic.twitter.com/Wcm210jdjU
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) December 22, 2024
At 22, Williams is regarded as one of Europe’s most exciting young wingers, known for his blistering pace and exceptional dribbling ability. Since debuting for Athletic Bilbao in 2021, he has tallied 22 goals in 144 appearances. Internationally, Williams has netted four goals in 24 matches for Spain and was part of their squad at the 2022 World Cup. However, his output this season has dipped slightly, with just two goals in 22 appearances.
Both Chelsea and Arsenal are now expected to shift their focus to alternative targets, with Arsenal reportedly considering several forwards, including Viktor Gyökeres, Ivan Toney, Alexander Isak, and Victor Osimhen, following RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Šeško’s decision to remain in the Bundesliga for another season earlier this month.
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Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
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