Barcelona sporting director Deco has indicated the club will attempt to sign Nico Williams, with the Spanish champions reported to have agreed personal terms with the Athletic Bilbao winger.
Spain international Williams has a release clause worth €58million and has also been linked with Bayern Munich and Arsenal.
However, it appears he has his heart set on Barcelona, who have agreed a six-year-deal with Williams, according to a BBC report.
Barca, however, are still under strict financial controls and it remains to be seen how the Blaugrana, who have already signed goalkeeper Joan Garcia from Espanyol, would be able to register Williams with LaLiga.
But Deco spoke openly about a potential deal for Williams in an interview with La Vanguardia.
“We need to strengthen that position,” Barca sporting director Deco said of Barcelona’s options on the wing.
“We only have Lamine [Yamal] and Raphinha as wingers because Ferran [Torres] is increasingly becoming a striker. When Yamal and Raphinha don’t play, the team’s level drops.
“There are several criteria. First, the player must believe in the project. Nico didn’t happen last year, although for me the priority was Dani Olmo.
“Both Nico and other players show a desire to come. If the circumstances are right, we’ll try.
“To sign a player, you have to follow the right steps. In this case, everything is very clear. He has a [release] clause. Then we’ll see how we can make what the player and the club want happen.”
Williams has developed a friendship with Barca start Lamine Yamal through their exploits together for Spain.
But their affinity has not had any influence on Barca’s interest in Williams.
“It’s nice that [Yamal] is Nico’s friend, but this isn’t a club of friends. We come here to work and try to win,” Deco added.
“We already had Nico in our sights last summer; he’s a name we’ve always had in mind. If they get along well, all the better.”
