A fresh insight into the ongoing race for the signature of in-demand Athletic Club star Nico Williams has tonight been forthcoming online.
The news comes courtesy of transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, and surrounds the battle for Williams between two of the continent’s leading clubs, in Barcelona and Chelsea.
La Liga giants Barca have of course long been considered the front-runners for the services of wide-man Williams.
As much comes with the Blaugrana having made clear their readiness to activate the 22-year-old’s Athletic Club release clause.
The ongoing financial woes at the Camp Nou, however, have to date made as much impossible.
Claims therefore began to spread in the media over the course of Tuesday that Premier League heavyweights Chelsea had leapfrogged Barcelona in the Nico sweepstakes.
Speaking late this evening, the aforementioned Fabrizio Romano, in turn, moved to clarify the situation.
The Italian guru has confirmed that, should the Euro 2024 standout himself have his way, he will be plying his trade with Barcelona next season.
He is giving ‘priority’ to Hansi Flick’s side, with Deco and co. therefore ‘confident’ in their chances of wrapping up the transfer over the coming weeks.
Chelsea, on the other hand, consider a deal as unlikely, deeming the overall costs of the operation as ‘excessive’.
Conor Laird | GSFN
