Barcelona intend to close first summer signing next week

La Liga giants Barcelona are hopeful of wrapping up the club’s first high-profile signing of the transfer window at some point this coming week.

And, should as much prove the case, it will bring a close to one of the transfer sagas of the summer to date.

This comes amid confirmation that the Blaugrana are readying one final push to wrap up a deal for Athletic Club star Nico Williams.

It is of course Spanish football’s worst-kept secret that the powers that be at the Camp Nou have identified wide-man Nico as their leading target with a view to next season.

Considering the 22-year-old the ideal profile to round out a frontline also featuring the talents of Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski, Deco and co. have long been actively working towards a formal agreement with Nico himself.

Upon as much being set in stone, the simple matter of activating the Spanish international’s Athletic Club release clause will remain.

And, should Barca have their way, this entire process will be wrapped up by the end of the coming week.

As per a report from journalist Santi Ovalle, speaking on El Larguero:

‘Barça’s intention is not to extend the Nico Williams soap opera any longer and if the player is willing, resolve it next week. This is the club’s priority.’

Conor Laird | GSFN