Arsenal and Liverpool have reportedly received a boost in their quest to sign Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams.
The attacker was heavily linked with a move to Barcelona in the summer after he impressed for club and country last season.
Williams scored eight goals and provided 19 assists in 37 competitive appearances in 2023-24, helping Athletic win the Copa del Rey and achieve a fifth-placed finish.
The 22-year-old then helped Spain triumph at Euro 2024, scoring two goals and providing an assist in six appearances in Germany.
Williams appeared to be close to a Barcelona move following his European Championship success, but he ultimately decided to stay with Athletic for at least one more season.
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Liverpool, Arsenal handed Nico Williams transfer boost
While he is set to stay with Athletic until the summer, Williams continues to be linked with a potential move away from San Mames.
Arsenal have been mooted as one of Williams's potential suitors, while Liverpool have been credited with an interest in the Spain international.
There has also been speculation suggesting that Barcelona could reignite their interest, but there now seems some doubt as to whether they will pursue a move in 2025.
According to Sport, Barcelona are not as committed to signing Williams as they were in the summer transfer window.
The Barcelona board do not see a new attacker as an urgent matter due to the form of Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski as well as the decision to sign Dani Olmo from RB Leipzig in the summer.
Even if they decide to strengthen their attacking options, the Blaugrana will consider a number of potential candidates rather than just focusing on Williams.
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Williams keen on Barcelona move
From Williams's perspective, he is believed to be more keen on a move to Barcelona than he was in the summer transfer window.
The winger had doubts about Barcelona's financial situation in the summer and was worried whether they would be in a position to register him.
Williams now appears ready to make the step up and challenge himself by playing for one of the biggest clubs in world football.
However, in the short term, he will be focused on his work with Athletic, who are challenging for Champions League qualification and making a positive impression in the Europa League.
Williams is likely to be involved when the Basque side take on Fenerbahce in Wednesday's Europa League fixture in Istanbul.
