Barcelona deal Arsenal and Chelsea Nico Williams transfer blow as 'PRIORITY' message sent

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 5 Jul 2024 11:29 BST
• 3 min read

Barcelona have reportedly confirmed that Nico Williams is their main priority for the summer transfer window.

The 21-year-old has been linked with a move to Camp Nou for several months, but the Blaugrana have been put off a deal due to his €58 million release clause.

Athletic Club will only let Williams leave if his release clause is paid in full and Barcelona’s financial woes mean they are concerned about whether they can afford him.

READ MORE: Premier League summer transfers 2024 - All the Done Deals

This had given hope to Chelsea and Arsenal, who are both interested in signing the Spain international this summer.

However, Spanish outlet SPORT have revealed that Williams is now firmly Barcelona’s priority transfer target. The Blaugrana have even told LaLiga that they are pursuing a move for the Athletic Club winger.

Williams scored eight goals and provided 19 assists in all competitions last season, while he has arguably been Euro 2024’s player of the tournament so far.

READ MORE: Chelsea star reveals he is pushing for Nico Williams transfer

Furthermore, Williams’ Spain team-mate Lamine Yamal is eager for him to join Barcelona. Yamal recently admitted: “He [Williams] would be a spectacular addition for us at Barcelona. It would be incredible to sign him. I hope we can.

"He’s a player who has already shown what he is capable of. I would love for him to join us.”

However, Yamal faces competition from Marc Cucurella, who has attempted to persuade Williams to join Chelsea instead.

Barcelona only want Nico Williams

RB Leipzig’s Dani Olmo and Liverpool’s Luis Diaz have also been linked with a move to Camp Nou, but Barcelona have reaffirmed their status that Williams is the only winger they want to sign.

In addition, Fabrizio Romano has revealed that a move for Hull City’s Jaden Philogene is unlikely due to his preference for Premier League football, while Gerard Romero has claimed that interest in the ex-Aston Villa winger was a PR exercise used to increase speculation.