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4 months ago
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Nico Williams' startling performances at Euro 2024 have put him at the centre of a tug of war between Europe's elite clubs and, by proxy, several of his Spain team-mates.
The Athletic Bilboa star has been one of the standout players in Luis De La Fuente's outstanding team. The 21-year-old was linked with a move to Barcelona ahead of the tournament.
And he has had the likes of Lamine Yamal and Pedri imploring him to make the move to Catalonia. However, the Blaugrana contingent are not the only ones working hard to recruit the winger.
Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella has thrown his hat in the ring and attempted to convinced 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 Sport.
Nico Williams has been in devastating form for Spain so far in this year European Championship
His fellow young star Lamine Yamal (left) has made secret of his attempts to convince Williams to join him in Barcelona
Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella has revealed that he is also trying his best to recruit the Athletic Bilboa star for the Blues
'I’ve been telling him 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 to sign Williams, who had 19 goal involvements in 31 games last season.
The club are reportedly willing to put two senior players on the chopping block to fund a lucrative swoop for the star.
Williams is understood to have a release clause of around £43million and Barca will need to sell up due to their financial issues.
Spanish outlet Sport reports that Barcelona could sell defender Ronald Araujo, winger Raphinha, or both of them to raise the funds required.
Araujo's contract expires in 2026 and he has a ridiculous release clause of almost £850m, which Barca would not demand from a potential suitor.
Sport reports that Hansi Flick's side would something more realistic, alongside the lines of £63.5m.
Barcelona believe that Araujo, 25, could already have talked about a move with Manchester United.
Spain are preparing to face Germany in a mouthwatering quarter-final clash on Friday evening
Meanwhile, former Leeds star Raphinha, 27, has been at Barca for two seasons and has reached double figures for goals in both of them.
However, Williams' relative youth is a huge pulling factor as Barcelona can envision a future of him and Yamal tormenting defences for years to come.
Arsenal, Liverpool, and Chelsea are also interested in him, as per talkSPORT.
Spain are preparing to face Germany in a mouthwatering quarter-final clash on Friday evening.
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