The race to sign one of EURO 2024's best players will not be straightforward as Europe's top clubs prepare to do battle.
Nico Williams' potential move to Barcelona will not be straightforward as several clubs across Europe have signalled a strong interest in the 22-year-old.
Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain are now reportedly firmly interested and willing to meet his release clause.
Williams has become one of the hottest topics of the summer transfer window after shinning in LaLiga for Athletic Bilbao last season and enhancing his reputation by leading his country to the EURO 2024 trophy.
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Nico Williams at the centre of European bidding war
The 22-year-old has a release clause believed to be around £50m, and Barcelona are looking to strike a deal over a payment plan which would allow them to spread the fee over several years.
![Spain's wonderkid Nico Williams celebrates against England.](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/15072024/f03d5225-cb93-410a-82da-97499d8d0de1.jpg?operations=fit(480:))
![](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/17072024/cd70269a-ff2f-41b6-828c-0056f258cf75.png?operations=fit(480:))
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Catalan club are worried Arsenal or Chelsea could swoop in and trigger the clause.
He said: "Barca want to go for Nico Williams. Barca want to be fast because they know that the top English clubs, Chelsea, and Arsenal, are keeping a close eye on the situation of Nico.
"They don't want to pay that big money of release clause, the commission, salary, so Barca want to win this race on the timing.
"They want to be faster and Barca are prepared starting from next week to advance and push on this deal."
The goal for Barcelona will be to recreate the wing partnership between Lamine Yamal and Williams as they look to stop Real Madrid next season.
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