In a surprising twist that has shocked many football fans, Nico Williams has expressed a clear preference for joining Barcelona instead of the coveted Arsenal and Chelsea. This revelation comes directly from Sport journalist Toni Juanmarti, who highlights that the young winger has dreams of donning the iconic Blaugrana jersey when he departs from Athletic Bilbao.

Barcelona has been eager to secure Williams’ talents since last summer, but financial constraints thwarted their attempts to complete the deal. As the battle for the 22-year-old winger heats up, both Arsenal and Chelsea have been lurking in the wings, hoping to lure him to the Premier League by 2025.

However, it appears Williams' heart is firmly set on staying in Spain, where he wishes to reunite with his national teammates, including rising stars like Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and Gavi. This is a significant blow for Arsenal, who have been desperate for a strong attacking option to fuel their title aspirations under Mikel Arteta. Meanwhile, Chelsea seems to be positioning themselves for a longer-term strategy as they eye the summer transfer window.

Williams has a reported release clause of €58 million, making him a tantalizing target for clubs across Europe.

The Young Star Shines at Euro 2024!

Adding to his burgeoning reputation, Williams was a standout performer during Euro 2024. He was instrumental in Spain's triumphant campaign, scoring a pivotal goal in the nail-biting 2-1 final against England and emerging as one of the tournament's top players. His exceptional performance against Italy showcased his ability to dominate, where he outpaced defender Giovanni Di Lorenzo and assisted in the own goal by Riccardo Calafiori.

In a thrilling knockout stage, Williams also netted a spectacular goal in a decisive victory over Georgia, further illustrating the dazzling skills that have placed him among Europe's most exciting young wingers.

Since making his debut for Athletic in 2021, Williams has impressively racked up 22 goals in 144 appearances. He has also made his mark on the international stage, scoring four times in 24 matches for Spain and being part of the squad that competed at the 2022 World Cup. This season, while facing challenges in maintaining his scoring form, he has still managed to contribute two goals in 22 games, solidifying his status as a player to watch.

Williams' ambition to join Barcelona adds an intriguing chapter to this transfer saga—can Arsenal and Chelsea turn the tide in their favor, or is Barcelona's allure too strong to resist? Stay tuned as this story unfolds!