Arsenal and Chelsea are reportedly set to battle for €58m (£49m/$63m) Nico Williams with a Barcelona transfer "unlikely" for the Spain Euro 2024 hero.
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- Williams' demand skyrockets
- Arsenal & Chelsea join the race
- Barcelona falling behind due to financial issues
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WHAT HAPPENED?
According to the Gunners have identified Williams as their first-choice transfer target should they decide to strengthen their options on the wing. Nevertheless, the deal remains complicated as the Athletic Club star's hefty release clause must be paid in full upfront, which might require Arsenal to offload some of their current forwards to create both space and funds for the transfer.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Chelsea, on the other hand, have been monitoring his progress and "laying the groundwork" for a potential transfer for some time. They feel optimistic about their chances but remain aware of the stiff competition from Barcelona and the player's possible preference to stay in La Liga.
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DID YOU KNOW?
Despite Barcelona’s historical lure and the club's strong interest in Williams, financial issues make a move to Camp Nou improbable. Club president Joan Laporta mentioned in an interview with Catalunya Radio that Barcelona could manage a signing like Williams financially.
However, as reports, sources close to the Barcelona squad indicate that these statements have left some players "disappointed" as the club has yet to resolve registration issues with La Liga for the upcoming season due to multifarious ongoing contract complications. Amid the surge in interest, Williams' entourage remains calm and they have no qualms if the forward stays put at San Mames for another season.
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WHAT NEXT?
Williams’ impressive partnership with Lamine Yamal during Euro 2024 has not gone unnoticed. Their synergy on the field played a crucial role in Spain's success, further increasing Williams’ desirability at Barca. Moreover, there is an eagerness at the Camp Nou offices to counterbalance Real Madrid’s acquisition of Kylian Mbappe with Williams. Yet, the likelihood of Williams donning the Blaugrana jersey this summer remains slim due to Barcelona’s financial hurdles, leaving the door open for Chelsea and Arsenal.
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