Arsenal put on back foot after Barcelona take action in Nico Williams race, Edu left with one response

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Barcelona have now taken the first step towards signing Arsenal transfer target Nico Williams, piling the pressure on Edu. 

Nico Williams will be at the top of many peoples’ transfer wish lists this summer following his scintillating form at Euro 2024.

He winger lit up the tournament in Germany, and terrorised England in the final of the competition. Williams scored in the final and impressed throughout the Euros, earning himself a place in the official Team of the Tournament alongside William Saliba.

Arsenal are certainly keen to sign Williams this summer, and it is easy to see why Mikel Arteta wants to add the 22-year-old to his ranks. 

The Athletic Bilbao man has the ability to play on either flank, meaning he would provide cover and competition for both Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. In either of these roles he would bring pace, flair, directness, creativity, and goal threat to the Arsenal team. 

Arsenal have been warned that signing Williams could cause issues at the Emirates Stadium due to his wage demands, but his performances at Euro 2024 may have allayed these concerns somewhat, as he has established himself as a star on the biggest stage now. 

• READ MORE: Every player linked to and from Arsenal in the summer 2024 transfer window

Barcelona ahead of Arsenal in race to sign Nico Williams

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has now revealed that Barcelona have taken action in order to put themselves in pole position to secure the attacker’s signature.

Reporting on X, he said: “More on Nico Williams and Barça. The agent has met with Barcelona director Deco today. Face to face meeting took place in Zaragoza.

“Barcelona have made their proposal to Nico, trying to agree on personal terms before English clubs.”

If the Gunners are serious about signing Williams, then they will have to act fast in response to the Spanish giants’ attempt to agree personal terms with the player. All Arsenal sporting director Edu can do now is present a proposal to Williams of his own. 

The lure of Barcelona is obvious, and they may well represent the winger’s preferred destination. However, Arsenal have a pull of their own. They are very much a club on the up, can seriously compete for major trophies now, and Williams may well be keen to work with Arteta.