Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez ‘obsessed’ with offensive target | OneFootball

Barcelona may or may not be able to make a star signing this summer, but somebody at the club is making it clear they want to. After it emerged that Athletic Club’s Nico Williams was their top target to strengthen the attack, further details have come to light.

Recent reports say that Barcelona are in ‘advanced’ talks with Williams’ agent over a deal, albeit they are still a long way from finding the €55m to activate his release clause. Aston Villa, Chelsea, Liverpool and others in the Premier League have also been linked to the 21-year-old.

As per Relevo, Xavi Hernandez is ‘obsessed’ with Williams, believing that his arrival could solve the chronic problems on the left side of attack, filling a role that has not had an undisputed owner since the exit of Neymar Junior seven years ago. He is of the opinion that Williams would also provide a jump in quality for the Blaugrana. A pivot remains the priority for Barcelona, but any further funds will be dedicated to Williams, as Xavi looks to return to a more classic 4-3-3 this summer.

Ultimately, Williams arrival is a moot point until some major exits happen at Barcelona. The Catalan giants hope to be back in the black for their salary limit this summer, but are facing a swing of over €200m to do so. If they could sign Williams and a pivot, the summer would no doubt be deemed a success in Can Barca.