Nico Williams's name is once again a protagonist in the offices of half of Europe. Athletic Club's winger has had a brilliant season, and his departure this summer is practically inevitable.
For weeks, his destination seemed clear: Arsenal. The London club had advanced negotiations, and Mikel Arteta saw him as the ideal reinforcement for the left flank. However, a new factor has completely altered the scenario.
Rodrygo shakes up Arsenal's plans
Real Madrid could open the door to Rodrygo Goes's departure. The imminent arrival of Xabi Alonso will change the structure of the white team and, with it, the Brazilian's role.
Rodrygo fears losing prominence in a locker room where Vinicius, Bellingham, Brahim, and Endrick already compete. Therefore, his camp has already started to discreetly move to find an exit that keeps his status.
Arsenal's interest in Rodrygo is not coincidental. The club believes that the Brazilian is more ready to compete at the highest level from day one. He has experience in big Champions nights and a more developed finishing ability.
Although Nico is liked for his explosiveness and youth, at the Emirates, they are beginning to see Rodrygo as a market opportunity. That has significantly changed the priorities.
Nico, between uncertainty and disappointment
Nico Williams's camp has not hidden their surprise. The player had already given the green light to Arsenal's project. He was attracted by the Premier League, Arteta's play style, and the possibility of taking a leap in his career.
But with the Brazilian gaining weight in the Emirates offices, the Basque has seen his signing cool down worryingly. What seemed like a decided move is now hanging in the air.
In this situation, other Premier League clubs have started to probe Nico's situation. Chelsea, always alert to young talent, and Liverpool, looking for generational change on the wing, are the main candidates.
However, both teams have yet to make a definitive move. They know that the player doesn't want to wait indefinitely and that his clause, of 58 million, could rise if Athletic manages to renew his contract.
Barça, alert and with a key advantage
In this context of doubts and changing priorities, FC Barcelona has returned to the scene. Although initially, it seemed far from being able to compete with Premier League figures, in recent days, it has gained ground.
Sources close to the club assure that Hansi Flick sees Nico as an ideal profile for his new project. Vertical, young, hungry for triumphs, and perfect to alternate on the wing with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.
Nico's camp acknowledges that the player is tired of waiting. He wants a stable project, where he is trusted from the first minute. And Barça offers him precisely that.
The blaugrana club also values his relationship with Gavi, Pedri, and other young players in the locker room. They believe he can adapt quickly and that his arrival would be a strategic blow in the national market.
Nico Williams has already made a decision
After weeks of back and forth, tempting offers, and doubts from London, the Basque winger is clear. Nico Williams has decided to change course: he has opted for Barça.
The player prefers to wait for the Catalan club rather than force his entry into a project that has changed priorities. Barça, meanwhile, values his commitment and is preparing a serious offensive to sign him this summer.
Nico's future is no longer in London. It's in Barcelona.