Barcelona are increasingly confident of agreeing a deal to sign Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao.
Williams is the club’s top transfer target after starring during Spain’s success at Euro 2024, with the 22-year-old opening the scoring in the 2-1 final win over England in Berlin.
Barcelona are pushing to beat Premier League competition to the signing of the winger and are understood to be growing in confidence over a deal.
The Catalans are in negotiations with Williams’ representatives over personal terms, having been granted La Liga approval to pursue the deal.
Barcelona are working under La Liga-imposed restrictions as a result of the club’s economic issues but have been cleared to sign Williams, who has a release clause of around £46m in his contract at The San Mamés Stadium.
Fabrizio Romano has reported that further talks will take place between Barcelona and Williams this week, with Premier League teams waiting in the wings should the deal fail to materialise.
Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool have all been heavily linked with Williams this summer, though the latter have reportedly opened talks with Real Sociedad over a deal to sign Japan international Takefusa Kubo.
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