- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
HITC understands that Nico Williams has made his stance on moving to the Premier League this summer clear.
Earlier this summer, we reported that Nico Williams was keen on joining Barcelona this summer after the Spanish winger excelled for his national team during Euro 2024 but, as of yet, no move has taken place for the pacey forward.
HITC has also reported that Arsenal and Liverpool were keen on Williams but the Spaniard had made it clear that he wanted to move to Barcelona.
Barcelona have signed RB Leipzig’s Dani Olmo with the Spanish midfielder moving to the Camp Nou but financial issues at the club mean a deal for Williams may be difficult.
Nico Williams reiterates stance on moving to the Premier League
HITC is told that, as it stands, Athletic Bilbao’s Williams has shown no desire to move to England this summer and that remains the case.
If Williams’ stance on moving to the Premier League were to change, HITC understands that Arsenal would be at the front of the queue for the signing of the exciting Spanish forward.
It appears that the Gunners are keen on signing a forward this summer with HITC also reporting that Arsenal have been offered the chance to sign Raheem Sterling.
Sterling was left frustrated by Enzo Maresca’s decision to omit the forward and it appears the former Manchester City and Liverpool forward could leave Stamford Bridge this summer.
However, Williams remains Arsenal’s top target but, at this moment in time, the Spanish winger remains reticent about moving to the Premier League and that stance is not expected to soften anytime soon.
Chelsea and Liverpool also willing to pay Williams’ release clause
Chelsea and Liverpool have also informed Williams’s assistant that they would match his release clause.
However, HITC has been told that the reason nobody has triggered the release clause in the winger’s contract is because they know the player does not want to leave Spain.
Barcelona have failed to agree a deal this summer, but the player – one of the stars of Euro 2024 – is not in a major hurry to leave Spain.
Hansi Flick’s Barcelona attempted to step up talks for Williams last month but no deal for the winger has been forthcoming yet.
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