FC Barcelona sporting director Deco has confirmed that Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams is eager to join the Catalan club.
In an interview with La Vanguardia, Deco stated, “Nico, same as other players, is showing a strong desire to come… and if the right conditions are met in his case, we’ll definitely try to complete the deal.” He further added, “Yes, Nico Williams wants to come… and we will try!”
Barcelona is said to be working internally to prepare for the potential transfer, with Athletic Bilbao reportedly demanding full payment of Williams’ release clause, estimated to be in the range of €58–60 million.
Meanwhile, several top European clubs are also in the race for Williams. Bayern Munich have stepped up their pursuit, with sporting director Max Eberl reportedly flying back to Germany to lead negotiations personally. Despite this, Deco remains confident, citing the player’s clear preference for Barcelona.
Arsenal are also showing strong interest. Club officials, including sporting director Andrea Berta, have reportedly met with Williams’ representatives. However, financial demands—particularly wages in the range of €7–8 million net per season—have become a stumbling block. Recent reports suggest Arsenal’s hopes have diminished following Deco’s public comments.
Chelsea have likewise been monitoring the winger, although they too face similar financial hurdles and are waiting to see how the situation unfolds.
Despite the growing interest from abroad, multiple sources indicate that Williams prefers to stay in Spain and is leaning toward a move to Barcelona. In response to the rising demand, Athletic Bilbao are attempting to renew his contract, with talks reportedly underway to increase his release clause to approximately €60 million.
While clubs like Bayern, Arsenal, and Chelsea continue to push, Deco reiterated that Barcelona will act if the conditions are right: “Both Nico and other players have shown a desire to come. If Nico’s circumstances arise, then we are going to try.” He also emphasized that Barcelona’s recruitment is focused on performance and fit, not friendships: “The fact that Nico and Lamine [Yamal] are friends is good. But this is not a club of friends. We come here to work and try to win. Then, if they get along well, even better.”
As Barcelona seeks to strengthen its squad on the left wing, particularly when Lamine Yamal or Raphinha are unavailable, Williams is viewed as a key reinforcement—pending financial viability and successful negotiations with Athletic Bilbao.
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