Nico Williams has once again become a protagonist in the transfer market. His future is an increasingly less mysterious enigma. Although Barça had him among their priority targets, the latest moves indicate that the outcome will be very different from what Lamine desired.
The young Barça star and the Athletic winger keep a close relationship. It is no secret that Lamine wanted Nico by his side at Camp Nou. However, that desire seems it will not become a reality, at least in the short term.
Nico Williams with Athletic | @nicolas_williams9
Barça cools down and Madrid appears
Barça's interest in Nico Williams has officially cooled down. Joan Laporta confirmed it this very week. Hansi Flick doesn't see him as a regular starter and Deco prefers to focus efforts on more versatile and less costly profiles.
With a release clause of 60 million euros, the signing becomes a very complicated operation. While Barça was discreetly withdrawing, Real Madrid entered the scene unexpectedly.
Xabi Alonso would have pointed out his name as an option to strengthen the white attack. A possibility that has set off alarms both in San Mamés and in Can Barça. But that will not be Nico's definitive choice either.
Nico Williams in the Athletic Club jersey | @nicolas_williams9
The Premier League goes all in
The latest information clearly points toward England. Two Premier giants have put staggering figures on the table. Both Arsenal and Chelsea have offered salaries close to 15 million euros gross annually.
These amounts are absolutely unaffordable for FC Barcelona in their current situation. Arsenal's offer, in particular, includes an important role in the starting eleven and a stable sports project.
Nico Williams with Athletic | @athleticclub
Lamine Yamal was excited about the possibility of sharing the wing with Nico Williams. In the national team, they have already shown they have chemistry on and off the field. But now, Nico himself would have already communicated his decision to him.
According to sources close to both, the Athletic player would have told Yamal: "I'm going to Arsenal". A phrase that puts an end to any hope of seeing them together at Barça next season.
Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal | @rfef
Nico's new home
Mikel Arteta's Arsenal is the chosen destination for Nico Williams. The Basque coach values his verticality, his dribbling, and his capacity for sacrifice. He guarantees him minutes, ambition, and a young locker room in full expansion.
In London, Nico will be able to compete in the Champions League, keep his prominence, and triple his current salary. The sports and economic project is too tempting to say no.
Nico Williams with the national team | @nicolas_williams9
In the offices of Camp Nou, they already assume that Nico will not wear the blaugrana. Despite the initial interest, the impossibility of matching the financial figures has been definitive. There was also no full unanimity in the coaching staff about his fit in the system.
Deco now focuses on other alternatives. Meanwhile, Lamine Yamal will have to assume that, for now, his connection with Nico will be limited to the Spanish national team. Camp Nou will have to wait.
Nico Williams has made a decision, neither Athletic, nor Barça, nor Real Madrid. His new home will be Arsenal, Lamine Yamal, his great friend, already knows it. Although the news has not been well received in Barcelona, no one can reproach him for choosing a project that values him as he deserves.
