Barcelona and Bayern Munich have emerged as the leading contenders to sign Athletic Club winger Nico Williams during the summer transfer window, with both clubs intensifying their pursuit of the 22-year-old Spain international.
Premier League sides Arsenal and Chelsea have cooled their interest in Williams. The shift creates opportunities for Barcelona and Bayern to advance their respective offers for the Euro 2024 champion.
Williams carries a release clause of approximately €60 million, providing suitors with a clear transfer fee structure. However, personal terms remain complicated due to his high current salary and Athletic Club\'s lucrative contract extension proposal.
Barcelona are actively pursuing Williams despite their ongoing financial difficulties with squad registration. The Catalan club\'s interest intensified after Liverpool\'s reluctance to sell Luis Diaz, their initial preferred target for the position.
Williams\' close relationship with Barcelona\'s Lamine Yamal, his Spain teammate, adds appeal to a potential Camp Nou move. The club already employs Raphinha in Williams\' preferred wide position, creating potential tactical complications.
Bayern Munich have reportedly submitted an initial offer to Williams with a second proposal potentially following. The German champions are exploring multiple attacking options after missing out on Florian Wirtz, who chose Liverpool over Bayern.
Williams would be open to discussing a possible transfer with Bayern manager Vincent Kompany if conversations advance.
Williams recorded 8.4 take-ons per game last season, ranking among Europe\'s most dynamic wingers alongside Yamal, Jamie Gittens and Jeremy Doku. His performances helped Athletic Club progress through the Europa League, including standout displays against Real Valladolid and Roma.