Barcelona hold talks with top Arsenal target as Lamine Yamal teases transfer

Barcelona have entered the race for Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams, who is also on Arsenal’s radar, with the Spanish giants holding talks as the player lays out his demands

Barcelona have reopened talks with Nico Williams as they look to land the Athletic Bilbao star. The Spain winger has enjoyed a stellar year with Arsenal regularly linked with his services.

The Gunners want to bolster their frontline and Williams has excelled for both club and country, but they could yet lose out to the Catalan giants. Barcelona have just claimed the La Liga title and Hansi Flick is wasting no time in pursuing more quality.

Williams has come through the ranks in Bilbao but his performances have made him a regular for Spain. Barcelona chief Deco has held discussions with the player’s agent Felix Tainta and Williams’ preference if possible is to remain in his homeland, which gives the Catalans the advantage over Arsenal.

The winger himself is open to the move, but only if Barcelona pay his €62million release clause according to Sport and guarantee a smooth registration process – which has been an issue in recent years as the club toe the line financially. That almost cost them Dani Olmo this season.

Lamine Yamal has added fuel to the fire as the 17-year-old posted a photo of himself and Williams celebrating just minutes after the story broke.

READ MORE: Arsenal star makes feelings very clear on Mikel Arteta’s latest transfer targetREAD MORE: Viktor Gyokeres transfer takes messy turn as Man Utd and Arsenal learn ‘agreement’ truth

Williams scored the opening goal for Spain as they beat England in the final of the Euros last summer. That was a strike assisted by Yamal as the pair struck up an impressive partnership, which could now translate to the club scene if a deal can be agreed.

It remains to be seen just how the Bilbao star would fit into the set-up at Barcelona. Flick was able to preside over a fearsome frontline that was led by Robert Lewandowski with Yamal and Raphinha providing threat from out wide. Williams would be attempting to break into that trio.

Arsenal have been looking to add more quality to their front three with a No 9 and wide forwards both on their shortlist. Williams would add some much needed pace and has shown he has an eye for goal.

Bilbao have previously parted with their top talent for the right fee but Williams have remained coy on his future. Midway through the campaign he said: “I’m not thinking about my future now. I’m so happy to be at Athletic, fans are happy too. Bilbao is my home, I’m really happy and I want to enjoy it here. I want to bring Athletic at the best level.”

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.