Report: Arsenal suffer major blow in the race to sign £49m La Liga star | OneFootball

Nico Williams Transfer Saga: Barcelona Leads the Race Despite Premier League Interest

The race for Nico Williams is heating up, with Barcelona emerging as the frontrunner despite significant Premier League interest. TBR Football reports that Arsenal and Liverpool have both made contact with the Spaniard’s camp, but his preference for a move to La Liga giants Barcelona is clear.

Barcelona Remains First Choice

According to TBR Football’s Graeme Bailey, Williams’s representatives are actively engaging with several clubs. Yet, it is Barcelona who hold the winger’s attention. Bailey notes, “The Spanish international was in talks with Barcelona last summer. The La Liga giants are understood to be his first choice if he is to leave Bilbao.”

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Barcelona’s pursuit of Williams is longstanding, although other priorities, such as Lille’s Jonathan David to support Robert Lewandowski, may complicate matters. Still, the allure of pairing Williams with his friend Lamine Yamal remains strong.

Premier League Clubs Battle for Williams

Despite Williams’s preference for Barcelona, Premier League sides are not backing down. TBR Football revealed, “Williams was Arsenal’s top target in January, and Arsenal could look to do a deal this summer too.” Liverpool also maintains interest, with TBR Football confirming, “Liverpool have also been linked with Williams.” Adding to the competition, Chelsea, Newcastle, and Aston Villa are reportedly keen on the Spanish winger.

Underwhelming Domestic Form but Summer Heroics Shine Through

While Williams dazzled at Euro 2024, his domestic form in the 2024/25 La Liga season has been less impressive:

TBR Football highlights this discrepancy, noting, “The winger’s stats this season are rather underwhelming it must be said.” However, his performances for Spain have made it clear that he is ready for a step up to a top European side.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As football fans, it’s hard not to feel expectant about what this means for the Premier League. Arsenal fans may recall how their January pursuit fell short and are now hoping that this summer’s efforts will yield success. Liverpool supporters, under Arne Slot, might view Williams as the type of wide attacker to reignite their title challenge.

However, there is also a sense of scepticism. Williams’s poor La Liga stats raise concerns about whether he can truly thrive in the physically demanding Premier League. His release clause of £48m is significant, and some may question whether it represents value.

In the end, it appears Barcelona are in pole position, but as any seasoned fan knows, transfer sagas can turn on a dime. With so many Premier League clubs circling, this story promises to deliver more twists before its conclusion.