Barcelona launch new Nico Williams plan amid Arsenal & Chelsea competition

Cameron Smith

6 Sept 2024 19:00 BST
3 min read

Barcelona are planning to sign Athletic Club winger Nico Williams in 2025, according to reports in Spain.

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The 22-year-old was heavily linked with a Camp Nou switch during the summer transfer window, but the Bluagrana were unable to finalise an agreement and Williams decided against the move.

However, Barcelona still have a positive relationship with the Spain winger and are planning on beating Arsenal and Chelsea to his signature next year, as per Sport.

The Spanish outlet have also revealed that Barca were originally hoping to purchase Williams in 2025, but his immense Euro 2024 campaign forced the club to launch a pursuit this summer.

After failing to land the Spain star before Deadline Day, Barcelona are now planning to sign Williams when the 2025 summer transfer window opens.

Nico Williams to stay with Athletic Club forever?

Although Barcelona are hoping to sign Williams in 2025, Athletic Club president Jon Uriarte is hopeful that he will remain in Bilbao for the rest of his playing career.

Uriarte recently told Marca: “It seems that there is a logic or an unwritten rule that says that a player who stands out has to aspire to play in some clubs, which some call big clubs, but the reality is that the Athletic project continues to grow.

“Nico has made it clear that he wants to stay here and for us that is very important. He has a contract until 2027.

“It is normal for players to arouse interest in the markets and just as we sign players, we take it naturally, although always with an ear to the ground.

“Athletic is something different because this attachment of the players with the club does not occur in any other club in the world.

“We have been able to retain talent and attract it. Hopefully, he will develop his entire career with us.”

Read more about: La Liga, Premier League, Arsenal, Athletic, Barcelona, Chelsea, Nico Williams