Barcelona push for Arsenal like agreement to cover €62 million for Nico Williams | OneFootball

According to SPORT, it has come to light that although Barcelona have already agreed personal terms with Nico Williams, the real challenge now lies in negotiating with Athletic Club.

The Catalan side is looking to pay the €62 million release clause through a structured payment plan, a formula similar to what Arsenal have proposed for Real Sociedad’s Martín Zubimendi.

Aware that Athletic Club will not lower the clause, which stands at €58 million plus taxes, Barça are hoping to find flexibility in how the payment is made.

Their plan is to offer slightly more than the release clause in exchange for paying in instalments, easing the financial burden in the short term.

This strategy mirrors Arsenal’s approach to Zubimendi, where the Premier League club would pay over the required amount to gain favourable payment terms.

Tense relations complicate a straightforward deal

While this kind of arrangement would benefit both clubs, allowing Athletic to receive more money overall and helping Barça manage Financial Fair Play limits, the political and sporting tension between the two sides is making negotiations extremely difficult.

Barcelona’s relationship with Athletic Club is stalling the deal. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Athletic Club remain deeply reluctant to even sit down with Barcelona representatives, let alone discuss alternative payment structures.

The relationship between the clubs has soured over time, with lingering resentment visible in recent seasons.

From the absence of a congratulatory gesture by Athletic president Jon Uriarte after Barcelona’s league triumph to issues over traditional guard of honour ceremonies, the friction runs deep.

Athletic are in strong financial health and had even prepared an offer to renew Nico, reportedly matching or surpassing what Barcelona are offering.

However, with the player having made his decision to join Barça, the Basque club are now pointing fingers at the player for activating his termination clause and breaking the contract that tied him to San Mames until 2027.