Spain star Nico Williams ‘crazy’ about joining Barcelona amid Arsenal and Chelsea interest – report

Athletic Club and Spain star Nico Williams is one of the most enjoyable players to watch in the world at the moment, and with a €58m release clause, looks a no-brainer for big clubs to swoop for him. Certainly the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea have shown interest, but the player’s preference is to remain in Spain.

Both Sport and MD report that Barcelona are the player’s preference this summer if he is to move to this summer. His connection with the likes of Pedri and Lamine Yamal for Spain is an attraction for Williams, and the former say that Chelsea have been told that Williams’ preference is the Catalan side.

The latter explain that the desire to bring in Williams from Catalonia continues to grow, while his relations with his Spain teammates vouch for his fit at Camp Nou. The 21-year-old is also has room to grow too, something that is less certain about the other top target for the position, Liverpool’s Luis Diaz. They also say the deal could be done without selling Raphinha – currently they are unable to sign anyone though.

Williams could have joined any of the clubs mentioned for free this summer, with his contract running down in November. However Williams instructed his agent to renegotiate a deal with Athletic in order to remain in the good books with San Mames and his brother Inaki, signing on until 2026. He is happy in Bilbao and preferred not to exit under a cloud, conscious of all the club has done for him and his brother.

Certainly Williams seems a no brainer for Barcelona if they can do a deal, but that remains shrouded in uncertainty. There are conflicting reports coming out about their competition, with some sources saying that Chelsea have given up on Williams due to cost, and others claiming they are preparing a large salary offer. Either way, Barcelona will have to rely on Williams prioritising them over money this summer, if they do manage to put the money together to do a deal.