Arsenal rival Barcelona in the race for 21-year-old priority target | OneFootball

If it was not already clear, Nico Williams has showcased that he is a special player with his performances for Spain at the UEFA Euro 2024, and is all set to kickstart a transfer war for his signing.

FC Barcelona are very intent on signing the 21-year-old speedster and have made him a priority for the summer. But suitors for the Spaniard’s services keep growing with each passing day.

Chelsea and Liverpool have already emerged as rivals for Barcelona in the race for Nico Williams, with another team from England now entering the fray.

Arsenal want Nico Williams

Indeed, according to reports relayed by Mundo Deportivo, Premier League giants Arsenal are interested in signing Nico Williams and are prepared to trigger his release clause.

This development comes as a major concern for Barcelona as they are also desperate to sign the Athletic Club winger, although their financial situation makes things tricky.

Arsenal, having finished a close second to Manchester City in the Premier League last season, are eager to strengthen their ranks and challenge Pep Guardiola’s men again for the top honours.

Arsenal want Nico Williams. (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO/AFP via Getty Images)

To that end, they see Williams as a strategic signing who would take them a step closer to achieving their goals in the upcoming season.

As such, Arsenal are ready to activate the €58 million release clause that exists in his contract at Athletic Club, which he signed last December.

Barcelona have made offers

As far as Barcelona are concerned, they already made an offer for Williams – €40 million fee plus Inigo Martinez, but the terms were likely to be knocked back by Athletic Club.

That is why, they have prepared a fresh proposal worth €55 million plus another €10 million in add-ons, along with Martinez as part of the deal.

The caveat is that the Catalans would pay the €55 million fixed fee in two instalments of €30 million and €25 million each – something that Athletic are unwilling to accept.

The Basque club are clear – any club that wishes to sign Nico must activate the €58 million buyout clause, which Arsenal are seemingly willing to do. As such, Barcelona must act quickly if they do not intend to miss out on the winger.