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Premier League giants Arsenal and Chelsea have reportedly cooled interest in pursuit of Athletic Club winger Nico Williams.

This is because the 22-year-old is increasingly pushing for a move to Barcelona this summer.

Williams, who has a €58 million release clause, has been on the radar of top English clubs for several months.

However, following a key meeting last week between his agent Felix Tainta and Barcelona’s Director of Football, Deco, the Blaugrana are now frontrunners to land the highly-rated Spanish international.

According to The Athletic, both Arsenal and Chelsea have pulled back due to a combination of Williams’ steep salary demands and his clear preference for a Camp Nou switch.

Sources close to the negotiations say the player has communicated that he is prioritising a move to Catalonia over potential offers from the Premier League.

Mikel Arteta had been an admirer of Williams’ style of play, but Arsenal are now turning their attention to other targets, including Real Madrid’s Rodrygo Goes.

That pursuit, however, also comes with financial hurdles. Chelsea, meanwhile, are exploring a move for Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Bynoe-Gittens as an alternative.

Barcelona’s revived interest comes after frustrations in their attempts to sign Liverpool winger Luis Diaz.

With Hansi Flick reportedly keen on pairing Williams with Lamine Yamal, the Catalans are working to assess the financial viability of the deal under La Liga’s strict registration rules.

Unless Athletic Club can persuade Williams to renew, the path now appears clear for Barcelona, if they can afford it.



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