Report: Barcelona explain special Nico Williams plan to agent, amid Chelsea offer

Barcelona have reportedly contacted Nico Williams’ representatives to inform them of their plan to sign the Athletic Bilbao player amid their financial strait. 

The Blaugrana have been in the market for a left winger, and Williams was identified as an ideal target. However, given his performances for Spain at the ongoing European Championships, Barcelona bumped the deal to pressing, making the Basque winger their priority target for the summer. 

Barcelona's desires, however strong, will not finance the deal, as they have LALIGA's FFP to contend with. However, their financial situation has greatly improved from the “comatose” state it was a few years ago, as confirmed by the league's president, Javier Tebas.

But the €58 million release clause on the player is still a sizable fee to fork out in one instalment, as they are still some way from where they should be financially, given the might of the club. 

Also, Williams's wage demands are significant, and Premier League side Chelsea are reported to be willing and able to double it to convince him to opt for the West Londoners. 

The Blaugrana's president confirmed today, via Catalunya Radio, their interest in the winger of Ghanaian heritage. Also, according to him, they are capable of financing the deal as things stand. 

According to Relevo, per Football Espana, however, they cannot match the wage demands Chelsea are promising the player, but they have communicated a plan to the player's agent. The Blaugrana will leverage on the player's reported desire to stay in LALIGA and his budding friendship with Lamine Yamal. 

Amid all of the reports and speculations, Williams’ public stance has not wavered. He has repeatedly maintained his love for his boyhood and current club, Athletic Club, and he has no desire to leave.