Nico Williams deal looking difficult for Barcelona after Premier League giants rule out move due to cost | OneFootball

Athletic Club and Spain star Nico Williams is perhaps the most talked about name in his home nation this summer, as he impresses for La Roja at Euro 2024, and is linked with a big-money move after it. Williams continues to reiterate that he will not consider any options until after the tournament, and that he is happy in Bilbao, but it has not stopped the constant speculation.

In England, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea have all shown interest in him of late, while it is not secret that he is one of Barcelona’s top targets if they have the money to do a deal. Chelsea have decided they do not. Matteo Moretto has revealed on Fabrizio Romano’s Daily Briefing that Chelsea have ruled out a move for him due to the cost, and describes it as a ‘very difficult’ move for Barcelona to pull off. Before Williams arrives, someone else must leave, that much Moretto assures.

Williams signed a new deal at Athletic until 2026 less than 12 months ago, which has a release clause of €58m. Yet taking into account taxes and the large salary he would no doubt command, the cost of the deal continues to rise with every passing Spain game. At 21 years of age, he has plenty of time to improve too.