Barcelona ROCKED as PSG 'in strong pursuit' of top target Nico Williams

Tom Weber

• Updated: 23 Jul 2024 12:10 BST
• 4 min read

PSG have barged into the race to sign Nico Williams, according to a report.

The Athletic Club winger continues to be the protagonist of one of the summer's biggest transfer sagas. The Spaniard is Barcelona's top target after his breakout performances at Euro 2024 and the Catalans have been making good progress in talks with his camp.

The player is said to be leaning towards remaining in Spain over heading abroad, but Barcelona have reportedly informed the 22-year-old that they will only be able to complete his signing in August. They are desperate to wrap up his signing swiftly but realise that there are still many moving parts.

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Arsenal and Chelsea have also been heavily linked with Williams and retain a strong interest in the Athletic star. However, they have so far baulked at the financial package required to sign him despite his relatively affordable €58 million release clause.

Now, The Athletic reports that PSG have strongly joined the race to sign the youngster.

PSG want Williams

The Parisians remain in the market for a replacement for Kylian Mbappe and have looked at several potential options. They are currently locked in talks with Stade Rennais over French wonderkid Desire Doue.

PSG have launched a formal €45 million offer for the 19-year-old, but it is thought that Rennes are holding out for €60m, which is what they received from Man City for Jeremy Doku last summer. PSG are looking at alternatives and, at that price, the more proven Williams could be a better option.

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According to the above-mentioned report, PSG have made 'tentative contact' with Wiliams' camp regarding a summer move, while later on it is claimed that they are in 'strong pursuit' of the Spain international.

PSG boss Luis Enrique handed Williams his senior debut in the Spanish national team in September 2022 before taking him to the Qatar World Cup. Williams featured seven times for Spain under the 54-year-old.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona remain confident that they will be able to secure Williams' signature, but the arrival of a new challenger will be a worry.