Arsenal hold talks with Barcelona target with €60 million release clause | OneFootball

The future of Nico Williams is expected to become a bone of contention once again in the coming summer.

The Spaniard, who is regarded as one of the best forwards in La Liga, was close to joining Barcelona last summer. But the move did not materialise as the player wanted to continue at Athletic Club.

However, Nico could leave Athletic Club at the end of the season, with Barcelona still emerging as one of the potential destinations.

Arsenal in contact with Nico Williams

That said, a recent report from Foot Mercato (h/t SPORT) has indicated that Arsenal have made some important strides in the pursuit of Nico Williams.

In recent days, the club’s new sporting director, Andrea Berta, met Nico’s representatives, exploring the idea of a summer move to the Emirates.

Arsenal are moving ahead with the pursuit of Nico Williams (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

It appears Arsenal want to position themselves nicely in the pursuit of Nico this summer, with the player currently having a release clause worth €60 million.

Not a priority target for Barcelona

This might not bode well for Barcelona considering the fact that the Spanish international is one of the club’s many targets in the attacking unit.

However, the report does add that Nico Williams is not a priority target for Barça anymore as relationships between the two parties have frayed since the botched move last summer.

Not to mention, the Catalans are also expected to face financial fair play woes, which might further impact their pursuit of the Spaniard.

All in all, it remains unlikely that Barcelona would go all out to sign Nico Williams like they did last summer. And therefore, Arsenal could emerge as a potential favourite in the race to sign the Athletic Club superstar in the coming summer.