For months, Nico Williams's name has been on FC Barcelona's agenda. His signing seemed a priority to strengthen the attack for the upcoming season. However, in recent weeks, the situation has taken an unexpected turn.
The blaugrana club still has no room to maneuver in the market. The 1:1 rule remains an obstacle, preventing new signings without first securing significant sales. To sign Nico Williams, Barça had to pay his release clause, set at 60 million, but without prior income, that figure is unattainable.
Barça Runs Out of Room to Negotiate
Last summer, Barça tried to sign Nico Williams, but their financial problems thwarted the operation. With no possibility of reaching an agreement, the player decided to stay at Athletic, with the hope of playing in Europe alongside his brother.
With the arrival of a new transfer window, it was expected that Barcelona would resume negotiations. However, the situation hasn't changed. The lack of resources limits the club's moves, and the board has had to rethink their plans.
Meanwhile, Athletic Club has remained firm in their stance. They have no intention of negotiating for their star and will only allow his departure if a club pays his clause. In this context, Barça has lost all chance of signing him.
A Premier League Team Takes the Lead
Nico Williams's future is closer to England than to Spain. In recent days, Arsenal has accelerated efforts to finalize his signing. Mikel Arteta is a great admirer of the Navarrese winger and considers him a key piece to strengthen his squad.
The London team has the financial power necessary to carry out the operation without problems. The Premier League has resources far superior to Barça's, and Arsenal is willing to pay the 50 million euro clause without the need for lengthy negotiations.
The player also views his move to England favorably. The possibility of playing in a team that competes for titles and in such a demanding league as the Premier has been decisive. At this point, only the official confirmation of the agreement is missing.
Barça Reorients Its Strategy
With Nico Williams practically ruled out, Barça has had to change its focus in the transfer market. Hansi Flick still considers it a priority to strengthen the left wing with a top-level player.
Among the names that have emerged in recent weeks are Leroy Sané and Luis Díaz. The former is an old acquaintance of Flick and would fit perfectly into his scheme. His experience in the Bundesliga and his ability to break through make him an interesting option.
On the other hand, the Colombian Luis Díaz is another highly desired player. At Liverpool, he has proven to be a differential player, with speed, dribbling, and scoring ability. However, his price is high, and the English club won't facilitate his departure.
But Joan Laporta has another idea in mind. He wants an impactful signing, a media player with differential talent. His main target plays in Serie A.
Laporta's Big Bet
The president's top favorite is Rafael Leão, star of AC Milan. At just 25 years old, the Portuguese has established himself as one of the most dangerous strikers in Europe. His speed, ability to unbalance, and ease in scoring goals make him an ideal option to strengthen Barça.
Leão has never hidden his admiration for the blaugrana club. In several interviews, he has made it clear that he would like to play at Camp Nou. However, his signing won't be easy.
Milan has valued him at 100 million euros, an amount that Barça can't pay at the moment. To carry out the operation, the board needs to generate income through player sales.
The Sales That Could Finance the Operation
If Barça wants to sign Rafael Leão, they will have to part with several pieces. The name at the top of the exit list is Ansu Fati. The young academy player isn't in Flick's plans and has lost prominence; his transfer could bring in a significant amount of money.
Other players could also leave the team. Ferran Torres and Eric García are two sale options the club is considering. Both have a market and could generate the necessary income to tackle the Portuguese's signing.
Laporta knows it won't be an easy operation, but he is determined to try. He believes Leão could be the star signing of the summer and is willing to do everything possible to bring him to Camp Nou.
Nico Williams Has Already Made a Decision
While Barça works on bringing Rafael Leão, Nico Williams's future is already decided. After weeks of speculation, his signing is imminent and will be official in the coming days.
The Athletic Club winger will play in the Premier League. His destination will be Arsenal, a team that has strongly bet on him and has paid his release clause.
Mikel Arteta thus secures one of the most promising wingers in European soccer. Meanwhile, Barça turns the page and focuses all its efforts on bringing Rafael Leão, Joan Laporta's new great desire.