Barcelona reach agreement to sign Nico Williams alternative

Cameron Smith

• 26 Aug 2024 12:45 BST
• 3 min read

Barcelona have agreed a deal to sign Juventus winger Federico Chiesa, according to reports in Italy.

The 26-year-old has been deemed surplus to requirements by new Old Lady boss Thiago Motta and he is now on the verge of completing a move to Camp Nou, as per Tuttosport.

The Italian outlet have reported that a €12 million transfer fee has been agreed between Barcelona and Juventus, while the Spanish giants have finalised personal terms with Chiesa and his representatives.

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Official confirmation of the move is expected to happen before Deadline Day, although Barca must first make room for the Italian in their bloated wage bill.

Rafael Leao, Jadon Sancho and Raheem Sterling have all been linked with a move to Barcelona in recent weeks, but the Blaugrana are set to sign Juventus winger Chiesa instead.

The Italy international will become the club’s second major signing of the summer window, following the arrival of RB Leipzig attacking midfielder Dani Olmo for a reported fee of €55m.

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Federico Chiesa: An alternative to Nico Williams

Barcelona’s imminent addition of Chiesa follows their lengthy pursuit of Spain international Nico Williams.

The 22-year-old was Barca’s number one summer transfer target, but he has opted to remain at Athletic Club after months of negotiations with the Camp Nou side.

Spanish outlet Diario AS recently reported that Joan Laporta’s bold transfer strategy was a key reason why Williams decided against joining the club.

The Barcelona president repeatedly stated that the Blaugrana would be able to fund a move for the Spain winger, and constant leaks to the media didn’t go down well with Williams’ camp.

In addition, the Spaniard’s representatives were concerned that Barca wouldn’t be able to register Williams due to their financial woes.