Arsenal or Chelsea to hijack Williams? Barcelona take a major risk

Tom Weber

• Updated: 22 Jul 2024 18:53 BST
• 3 min read

Barcelona have informed Nico Williams that they won't be able to complete his signing until August, according to Spanish media.

The transfer saga surrounding the Spanish superstar appeared to be entering its final stages. Barcelona had, at last, initiated contact with the Euro 2024 breakout star and looked to be making good progress.

With their full focus on securing Williams' signature, the Blaugrana pressed ahead and presented a formal proposal to the player's camp, for which they are now expecting to receive an answer shortly.

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Barcelona are fully intent on paying the 22-year-old's €58 million release clause, thus bypassing his current side Athletic Club in the negotiations. The problem is that, well, Barcelona may not have that kind of money to spend at this point in time.

Barcelona ask for patience

According to the usually reliable Relevo, Barcelona have informed Williams that they will only be able to complete his transfer in the first half of August at the earliest.

Barcelona are adamant that they are able to pay his clause and they remain confident of landing their top target, but they are still in the process of finalising several financial 'operations' that will put them in a more secure position to sign the winger.

The Blaugrana are desperate to agree personal terms with Williams, believing that this will be enough to officially attain his signing. However, the fact that this saga will likely drag on into August means that there is a window of opportunity for other clubs even if they agree on a contract with the player; after all, it means little until the ink is actually dry.

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It is well-established that Arsenal and Chelsea are also admirers of Williams, though they have thus far baulked at the financial package required to sign him.

However, there is a good reason why Barcelona are trying to be quick; they know that things can change quickly and they want to reach an agreement before Arsenal or Chelsea change their mind. The longer this saga continues, the more dangerous things could become.