- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
Nico Williams continues to hold out for a dream £40 million-plus move to Barcelona despite talks with Premier League clubs Arsenal, Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Liverpool.
HITC understands that the Athletic Bilbao speedster is high on the list of a number of clubs based in England. Discussions have been held between Nico Williams‘ representative and an Arsenal side who finished as runners-up to Manchester City for the second year in a row, The Gunners keen to add more depth to their already free-scoring frontline.
There have also been talks with Newcastle United and Aston Villa. Plus, a Liverpool side who may yet enter the market for a long-term Mo Salah replacement amid continued Saudi Arabian interest in the veteran wideman.
Liverpool and Arsenal still in Nico Williams race
Williams is more than a decade Salah’s junior at just 21. One of the fastest forwards in European football, the jet-heeled Spain international enjoyed an outstanding 2023/24 campaign alongside his older brother Inaki Williams at San Mames.
Eight goals and 17 assists in all competitions dispelled previous concerns over his end product. And, with a release clause of £43 million, Williams represents excellent value for money in an expensive market.
Unfortunately for that aforementioned Premier League quartet, Williams continues to hold his UK-based suitors at arms’ length. A dream move to Barcelona remains his priority, a stance unchanged after a fresh round of talks.
There are, as ever when it comes to Barcelona, financial issues to consider. The Blaugrana may have to sell either Ferran Torres or Raphinha to make room in their budget for Williams, the Pamplona-born forward the number one attacking target for a side now under the stewardship of former Germany and Bayern Munich coach Hansi Flick.
Williams also wants in excess of £300,000; demands that left Arsenal, Liverpool and co shocked during early discussions.
There is still hope amomgst some in England that Williams will be playing Premier League football in 2024/25, but it is clear that Williams has his heart set on a move to the Camp Nou.
Williams, who started Spain’s 3-0 hammering of Croatia at Euro 2024 on Saturday, does not appear to be in any rush to leave the Basque Country if Barcelona cannot agree a deal either.
Barcelona remains Spain star’s dream destination
“I’m very happy at Athletic. It’s the club that has given me everything, the one that has bet on me 100 per cent,” he said last week.
“It’s my home. I’m very happy. And what I want to do is focus on the European Championship 100 per cent. Otherwise, I don’t know what’s going to happen.
“I have told my agent that I don’t want to know anything until the end of the European Championship.”
Ambitious Aston Villa reportedly made a £45 million bid during the summer of 2023, before Williams rejected a £115,000-a-week deal at Villa Park. Unai Emery’s side would have to more than double that contract offer 12 months’ on.
“Physically I am a bit superior. Even though I am eight years older than him, in the 100 meters I still give him a cramp!” quips Inaki, Nico’s elder sibling and the Athletic talisman. “(But) in one-on-ones, however, he is practically unstoppable.
“(His rise) is incredible. He is showing that he is (improving), he is gaining experience. In front of goal, he is improving a lot. He is a talent, a rough diamond that needs to be polished. He has a lot of room for improvement and hopefully he can continue to improve.”
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