Arsenal & Barcelona in Race to Sign Sensational Euro Winner

Arsenal and Barcelona have been in the pursuit of strengthening their squad. Both teams fell short of winning their respective league title last season. Mike Arteta’s side have been looking to add more depth to every department of their team. Ranging from their midfield, defense, and attack. The Gunners started with the signing of David Raya. The Spaniard had spent a season-long loan at the Emirates last season. Now the Gunners have secured him fully.

The Gunners also look to complete the signing of Bologna sensation Ricardo Calafiori. Although there is still a lot to be dealt with. Barcelona also hasn’t been able to nail a single signing yet. There’ve been different shortlisted names appearing in the Catalan’s lists. A particular name on the list is the electrifying Spaniard playing for Bilbao, Nico Williams. However, Arsenal are also in the pursuit of signing him.

Arsenal and Barcelona Eying for Williams

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Arsenal and Barcelona are in the race to sign Nico Williams. It has been reported that Star is set to have a release clause. This seems to be a hope booster for both teams as they set to trigger the clause. And if that is the case, whichever team the 22-year-old will join, will be based on choice. Nico Williams is holding his own despite the transfer noise. The Spaniard has chosen to keep his calm despite all the rumors swinging around.

The 22-year-old became one Euro 2024 tournament’s best players. Williams scored two goals and assisted once in the tournament. However, his impact was more as he was a terrifying threat to Defense. The fullbacks felt the heat more. One of his goals came from a composed finish in the final against England. Wherein they later won 2-1 to lift the Euro Trophy. After the Euros clubs have come seeking to employ the 22-year-old into their team. So far Arsenal and Barcelona are the two strongest vying for his signature. Nico Williams’s contract at Athletic Bilbao involves a £49million release clause. And as it stands Arsenal and Barcelona might want to trigger it.

Athletic Bilbao’s Interest in Keeping Him

Athletic Bilbao’s coach Ernesto Valverde has been swift in disapproving of Williams’s possible departure. Their boss holds on to the belief that Williams will stay. And following this, the Athletic Bilbao forward seems to be undisturbed by news rumors. He shared on his Instagram story saying: “Calm down”.

Nico Williams who has been a product of Athletic Bilbao’s academy has 122 appearances. He has 20 goals and 26 assists across all competitions for the Basque side. Three years are remaining on his contract as it stands. However, Valverde is sure that their 22-year-old superstar will still stay at the club.

Ernesto Valverde on Williams

Athletic Bilbao coach Ernesto Valverde spoke about him saying “I have no doubts about Nico. He looks good and happy. This year we have many challenges ahead of us and I’m sure Nico will love to face them. He hasn’t been the only player who has had to live with rumors because the market will be open until the end of August”

Valverde continued about the player saying “He’s a great player and there may be clubs who might be interested in him, but he’s happy with us and we’re happy with him. We’re counting on Nico for when he returns from the holidays.”

Valverde’s perspective on the issue hasn’t kept Barcelona away. Their president Joan Laporta has already given his work to the fans. Pointing out that they have the financial capacity to secure the 22-year-old. Laporta told Catalunya Radio saying “Economically speaking, we could commit to the signing of Nico Williams. Nico’s a player I like, I like him a lot. We are working with [coach Hansi] Flick on possible signings. Now we have to leave [sporting director] Deco to close the operations we are working on.”

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