Barcelona are reportedly 'refusing to give up' on a possible deal for Nico Williams despite Athletic Bilbao seemingly convincing the attacker to remain at San Mames.
Earlier this summer, it appeared likely that Williams would be on his way to Camp Nou, with Barcelona seemingly identifying him as their leading target for the summer market.
However, the situation has changed over the last couple of weeks, with Williams allegedly deciding to spend at least one more campaign with Athletic before reviewing his position next summer.
The 22-year-old has a €55m (£47m) release clause in his current deal, which Barcelona are believed to be willing to activate, but the Spain international would still have to agree to move to Camp Nou.
Williams helped Athletic finish fifth in La Liga last season to secure qualification for the 2024-25 Europa League, and next season's final is at San Mames, which allegedly played a big role in the forward deciding to stay.
© Reuters
Barcelona 'are still hoping' to sign Williams
The attacker has reportedly always intended on sampling European action with Athletic, and it is believed that his family have been pushing for him to remain with his current side.
According to SPORT, Athletic remain 'very optimistic', with the Basque outfit confident that they have done enough to prevent Williams from leaving this summer.
However, Barcelona are 'not giving up', with the club still believed to be in touch with Williams' representatives, and there is a chance that a deal could go through before the end of the transfer window.
Barcelona allegedly believe that Williams could change his mind over the next few weeks, with a high-profile move therefore potentially being completed before the transfer window closes.
© Imago
Barcelona are also 'closing in' on Olmo deal
RB Leipzig's Dani Olmo starred alongside Williams for Spain at Euro 2024, and the former is said to be on the verge of completing a move to Hansi Flick's side.
Olmo has allegedly completed his medical with the Catalan outfit and is set to arrive in a deal worth €55m (£47.2m) plus €7m (£6m) in potential add-ons.
The attacker impressed for Spain at Euro 2024, scoring three goals and registering two assists in six appearances at the competition, as Luis de la Fuente's side won the trophy.
Williams, meanwhile, managed two goals and one assist in six appearances at Euro 2024, including a goal against England in the final of the tournament.
Last season, the forward scored eight goals and registered 19 assists in 37 appearances in all competitions for Athletic, including five goals and 14 assists in 31 La Liga matches.
Matt Law
