Arsenal are waiting in the wings to see what happens with Nico Williams and a potential move to Barcelona. That is according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
Barcelona have held a meeting with Williams’ agent over a summer move to the Camp Nou from Athletic Bilbao following his exploits at Euro 2024.
Williams is in high demand after scoring two goals and providing one assist during Spain’s run to lifting the Euro 2024 trophy on Sunday. The 22-year-old was one of the standout stars of the tournament and has a host of clubs interested in signing him this summer.
Williams has a £50million release clause, which Bilbao are demanding be met and also paid in one lump sum up front. This may be a tactic given the release clause is relatively low in the current market for a player of his quality.
Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for the forward, although it looks as though Barcelona have the edge when it comes to completing a deal. However, Financial Fair Play problems for the Catalan club could lead to the Gunners hijacking the transfer.
Barca were fined for an FFP breach last year and their financial problems are well documented. Needing to pay £50million up front could cause an issue, which could in turn lead Williams to move to the Premier League.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said: “Barca are trying to be fast on agreeing personal terms because they believe reaching an agreement with Nico Williams on the project, on the salary, on the contract is too important.
“Barca know Premier League clubs are coming, Barca know big Premier League clubs are already trying to understand what’s going to happen with Barca. Maybe they hope it could collapse with Barcelona because of Financial Fair Play to enter the race.
“Arsenal and Chelsea we know [are interested], it’s still very expensive for them, the clause has to be paid in one solution, big commission, big salary, this is why Chelsea decided to go slower on the story of Nico Williams, but in case Barcelona don’t close the deal, Chelsea and Arsenal are attentive to the situation of Nico Williams. Financial Fair Play will be a crucial factor.”
