Nico Williams would reportedly prefer to join Barcelona if he leaves Athletic Club amid links to Arsenal and Chelsea.
Williams has enjoyed a standout Euro 2024 with Spain and has been heavily linked with a move away from The Lions in the summer transfer window. He scored and grabbed an assist in the 4-1 win over Georgia on Sunday and is someone who has reportedly caught the eye of Arsenal, Chelsea and a number of other Premier League clubs.
The 21-year-old scored eight goals and notched 19 assists in 37 appearances for Athletic during the 2023/24 season and is one of the most highly-rated youngsters in Europe right now. He has three years left on his contract, which has a £49.2million release clause inserted into it. Both the Gunners and the Blues are reportedly among those to have shown interest.
However, according to Sport and MD, it has been reported that Barcelona is his preference if he is to secure a move this summer. His connection with Spain team-mates Pedri and Lamine Yamal is said to be an attraction for Williams. It’s claimed in the report that Chelsea have been told that Williams’ preference is the Catalan side. He is said to be ‘crazy’ over a potential move to Barcelona, who finished second in La Liga last season.
The desire to bring in Williams is continuing to grow at Barcelona, who are looking to add another winger to their ranks, with Liverpool’s Luis Diaz among the others mentioned. A deal could be done for Williams without having to sell the likes of Raphinha, who has been linked with a return to the Premier League.
Despite this, Williams is said to be happy and content at Athletic, prefers not to exit under a cloud, and is conscious of the work the club has done for him and his brother Inaki. Arsenal and Chelsea get the chance to have another look at Williams when Spain entertain Germany in the Euro 2024 quarter-final on Friday.
