- Arsenal have long been targeting a move for Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams
- The 22-year-old Spain international is reportedly ‘desperate’ to join Barcelona
- LISTEN: Was ‘Fergie Time’ real? Veteran Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg reveals all on the first episode of the Mail’s brand-new football podcast Whistleblowers
Arsenal target Nico Williams is reportedly desperate to complete a move to Barcelona this summer in a blow to Mikel Arteta‘s transfer plans.
The Gunners are looking to bolster their attack after an injury crisis up front derailed their title ambitions last season.
The 22-year-old has been linked with a move to the Emirates but Arsenal now appear to be trailing behind in the competition to secure his signature.
Both Barcelona and Bayern Munich are also in for the Spaniard, who is exploring the possibility of a move away from boyhood club Athletic Bilbao this summer.
Mail Sport understands that both sides have already held talks with the winger.
And in a hammer blow to Arsenal’s pursuit of the attacking star, Williams is now reportedly desperate to join Barcelona, according to Mundo Deportivo.
Arsenal target Nico Williams is reportedly desperate to complete a move to Barcelona this summer
A move to Barcelona would see the Spaniard link up with national team-mate Lamine Yamal
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick reportedly held a meeting with Williams over a summer move
Williams hopes to link up with Lamine Yamal and Hansi Flick at the Nou Camp and he is said to have made his ambitions clear to Barcelona’s sporting director Deco on Friday.
Barcelona targeted Williams last summer and are now back in the market for a winger.
The Spanish international made his mark as one of the most promising wingers in the world after starring at Euro 2024 alongside Yamal.
He scored Spain’s opening goal in the 2-1 final victory over England in Berlin and has so far made 28 appearances for the national team, scoring six times.
Last season he scored 11 goals and provided seven assists in 45 appearances for Athletic Club as they finished fourth in LaLiga.
Barcelona could instead be tempted to make a move for Liverpool star Luis Diaz as they look to improve their squad which lifted LaLiga and the Copa del Rey last season.
The Colombian was an integral part of Arne Slot’s side which scooped the Premier League title, scoring 13 times and providing seven assists in the league, but he is reportedly interested in joining the Spanish champions.
Last season he scored 11 goals and provided seven assists in 45 appearances for Athletic Club
It would represent a major blow to the transfer plans of Mikel Arteta, who is keen to add Williams to his Arsenal squad
Barcelona could be tempted to make a move for Luis Diaz instead of signing winger Williams
The 28-year-old has ‘made up his mind’ according to the Spanish media and sees this as the right time to leave after three-and-a-half seasons at Anfield.
Liverpool have not offered a contract extension to Diaz, whose deal expires in 2027, and he could be marginalised after the expected signing of Florian Wirtz and potentially others.
The Premier League champions are said to have told Diaz, 28, that he can leave for £51million but Barcelona do not intend to bid that high.
