Athletic Club’s rising star Nico Williams is once again at the heart of Europe’s transfer speculation. Following a high-profile saga last summer that saw FC Barcelona pursue the 21-year-old winger relentlessly, Williams is determined to avoid a repeat this time around. The Spain international has taken control of the narrative, setting a firm deadline of July 15 for any decision regarding his future.
Williams remains one of the most coveted young talents on the continent. While Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly dropped out of the race — the latter having signed Khvicha Kvaratskhelia — interest from England remains strong. Liverpool and Chelsea are monitoring his situation, but Arsenal and Barcelona are the frontrunners in what could develop into a high-stakes contest.
Mikel Arteta’s interest in Williams is well documented. The Arsenal manager, who is gradually building a Basque core at the Emirates with reported interest in Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi as well, sees Williams as a critical component of his long-term vision. Arsenal, financially stable and ambitious, would be well-positioned to meet the €60 million release clause embedded in Williams’ contract with Athletic Club.
Barcelona, by contrast, remain in a precarious financial position. Although the Catalan club continues to monitor Williams, Director of Football Deco is said to prefer a move for Liverpool’s Luis Díaz. Yet, Williams remains on the Blaugrana’s shortlist, with club officials indicating they will inform the player well in advance if they can feasibly pursue the transfer.
At the heart of Barcelona’s uncertainty is their ongoing struggle to operate within La Liga’s salary limits. Much hinges on the outcome of a proposed €100 million deal to lease 475 VIP seats at the Camp Nou. If completed, the deal could unlock enough financial space for Barcelona to act decisively in the transfer market. If not, their chances of landing Williams — or any marquee player — diminish significantly.
By establishing a clear cutoff date, Williams signals a desire for stability and preparation ahead of the 2024–25 season. Whether that preparation continues in Bilbao or begins anew in London or Barcelona, one thing is clear: the winger wants clarity early, and the clock is ticking for any club hoping to secure his signature.
