Barcelona set to beat Arsenal and Chelsea to Nico Williams transfer

Suraj Radia

• 12 Jul 2024 11:00 BST
• 3 min read

Barcelona will make a formal move to sign Nico Williams after his involvement at Euro 2024, with the Catalans willing to activate the Atheltic Bilbao star’s release clause.

Williams will be hoping to wrap up his impressive European Championship performances with a win in the final against England this weekend, having produced standout displays on the wing for Spain.

The 22-year-old’s form has led to intense speculation over his future, with Chelsea and Arsenal among the teams desperate to convince Williams to leave his boyhood team of Bilbao.

READ MORE: Angry Nico Williams opens door to Arsenal and Chelsea after Barcelona message

However, Barcelona believe they have the edge over any side, with reports in Spain claiming that personal terms have already been agreed with Williams and the player said to be ‘very positive’ about joining the club.

Williams is Barcelona’s top target for the summer and Mundo Deportivo claim that the club will offer him a five-year contract, earning less for the first two seasons and then increasing his salary for the following three.

Despite their well-documented financial issues, Barca have assessed the viability of the signing and believe that they can afford to activate his €58 million buyout, with it being ‘only a matter of time’ for the deal to be conducted.

Athletic react strongly to Williams speculation

Williams has regularly been questioned over his future while at the Euros despite only signing a new contract with Bilbao in December and, while the youngster has insisted he is committed to his club, he has also not ruled out a departure.

The speculation surrounding Williams led to Atheltic president Jon Uriarte defiantly stating that the club are ‘economically, socially and sportingly capable of keeping footballers of the caliber of those named in its structure, including Williams.

READ MORE: Nico Williams not for sale, claim Bilbao

Barcelona president Joan Laporta spoke on Spanish radio recently and admitted he ‘liked Williams a lot’ and that the club could afford to sancton a deal for him.

"Obviously I like him, a lot,” Laporta told Catalunya Radio. "Today we can afford to sign Williams. We can afford a signing like Nico’s.

“It is the result of the work that has been done over the years to get to this point, that we could afford a signing of this level.

"It has been three very intense years, with many things to do, but we have worked very well and we are happy with the work because the club’s finances are recovering and we will soon have good news in this regard.”