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- Euro 2024 striker Nico Williams reportedly has £43m release clause
Nico Williams’ stunning performances at Euro 2024 have put him at the centre of a tug of war between Europe’s top clubs and, by extension, a number of his Spain team-mates.
The Athletic Bilbao star is one of the standout players in Luis De La Fuente’s excellent squad, with the 21-year-old having been linked with a move to Barcelona ahead of the tournament.
And he has had players like Lamine Yamal and Pedri begging him to move to Catalonia. The Blaugrana contingent aren’t the only ones working hard to recruit the winger, though.
Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella has thrown his hat into the ring and attempted to convince the youngster to join the new project at Stamford Bridge.
“He would be a great signing (for Barcelona), but it all depends on what he wants.” the 25-year-old told Sports.
Nico Williams has been in great form for Spain so far at this year’s European Championship
His young team-mate Lamine Yamal (left) has kept secret that he is trying to convince Williams to join him in Barcelona.
Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella has revealed he is also trying to recruit the Athletic Bilbao star to the Blues
‘I told him he has to sign for Chelsea… In the end, everything depends on him, he is very young, with a lot of experience. I think he will be a great player.’
Barcelona appear to be leading the race for Williams, who made 19 appearances in 31 games last season.
Reports suggest the club are prepared to offload two experienced players in order to fund a lucrative deal for the star player.
Williams is said to have a buyout fee of around £43 million and Barca will have to sell the club due to financial problems.
According to Spanish outlet Sport, Barcelona could sell defender Ronald Araujo, winger Raphinha or both to raise the necessary funds.
Araujo’s contract expires in 2026 and he has a ridiculous buyout fee of almost £850m, which Barca would not demand from a potential buyer.
Sport reports that Hansi Flick’s team want a more realistic fee, around £63.5m.
Barcelona believe 25-year-old Araujo has already discussed a move to Manchester United.
Spain prepares for a thrilling quarter-final against Germany on Friday night
Meanwhile, former Leeds star Raphinha (27) has been playing for Barça for two seasons and has scored double figures in goals in both campaigns.
However, Williams’ relative youth is a major factor as Barcelona can envisage a future where he and Yamal continue to plague defences for years to come.
According to talkSPORT, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea are also interested in him.
Spain prepares for a thrilling quarter-final against Germany on Friday evening.