Premier League clubs could be handed hope in their pursuit of Nico Williams after Barcelona began exploring alternative targets.
Barcelona have been the frontrunners to sign Williams from Athletic Bilbao with the winger keen on a transfer to the Camp Nou.
Williams is one of Europe’s most in-demand players after starring for Spain at this summer’s European Championship. The 22-year-old was a key part of La Roja’s success at Euro 2024 and opened the scoring in the 2-1 final win over England.
Williams has a release clause of around £49m in his contract with the Spanish side but Barcelona have so far failed to find the funds to activate his release. It has thrown the winger’s future up in the air and could offer encouragement to Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool.
Fabrizio Romano is reporting that Barcelona are internally discussing alternatives. Kingsley Coman is a player of interest to the Catalans, with head coach Hansi Flick having worked with the France international at Bayern Munich. Coman is free to leave Bayern this summer and could be available on loan, making him a more attainable option than Williams.
Williams was this week handed the number ten shirt at Athletic Bilbao, suggesting he could remain with the Basque outfit beyond the current transfer window.
