MX23RW : Monday, December 23 22:20:32| >> :60:18:18:

Barcelona transfer news: Key duo could leave 'to fund' Nico Williams deal

Two major exits: Barcelona 'hatch' Nico Williams transfer plan
© Reuters
Barcelona could sell both Ronald Araujo and Raphinha this summer in order to bring Athletic Bilbao attacker Nico Williams to Camp Nou.

Barcelona would reportedly be willing to sell both Ronald Araujo and Raphinha this summer in order to bring Athletic Bilbao attacker Nico Williams to Camp Nou.

Williams is currently starring for Spain at Euro 2024, with the 21-year-old scoring once and providing one assist in three appearances this summer for a team currently in the quarter-finals.

The forward recently said that a firm decision on his future would not be made until after the European Championship, but he is expected to leave Athletic before the end of the current market.

Arsenal and Liverpool are thought to lead the Premier League interest, but Barcelona are believed to be at the head of the queue, with Williams also said to favour a switch to the Catalan giants.

Williams scored eight goals and registered 19 assists in 37 appearances for Athletic last season, while he has 20 goals and 26 assists in 122 matches for the Basque side in all competitions.

Spain's Nico Williams in action with Georgia's Otar Kakabadze on June 30, 2024© Reuters

Barcelona are 'determined' to sign Williams

According to Sport, Barcelona are desperate to secure Williams's signature this summer, but there will need to be at least one major first-team sale for that to be a possibility.

The report claims that Araujo or Raphinha could be allowed to leave, but it has not been ruled out that both players may be on the move during the summer market.

Barcelona are currently finding it difficult to convince Araujo to sign a new contract, and Manchester United are believed to be huge admirers of the Uruguay international.

The Catalan outfit, if they are unable to sign the centre-back to a new deal, will allegedly place him on the transfer list this summer, with his valuation thought to be around £70m.

Newcastle United and Manchester City are also among the clubs to be credited with an interest in Araujo, with Barcelona unlikely to be short of offers if it becomes clear that he is available for transfer.

Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo on March 17, 2024© Reuters

Araujo, Raphinha 'could leave' Barcelona this summer

Raphinha's future is also currently the subject of speculation, with the Brazil international potentially being allowed to leave Barcelona this summer.

The 27-year-old had his injury problems during the 2023-24 campaign but still managed to contribute 10 goals and 13 assists in 37 appearances in all competitions.

There has been suggestions of interest from Saudi Arabia, while it is thought that a number of Premier League clubs are keeping a close eye on his situation.

Williams signed a new contract at Athletic last year, but there is believed to be a release clause of around €55m (£47m) in the agreement.

Barcelona allegedly want Williams and Lamine Yamal to play on their wings next season, which is the case for Spain, with experienced striker Robert Lewandowski continuing through the middle.

ID:547337:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect5995:
Written by
Matt Law

Nico Williams future - Click here for more stories

Click here for more stories about Ronald Araujo

Click here for more stories about Manchester United

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo on March 17, 2024
Read Next:
PL bound? Man City, Newcastle 'pushing' to sign Araujo
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool16123137162139
2Chelsea17105237191835
3Arsenal1796234161833
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest179442319431
5Bournemouth178452721628
6Aston Villa178452626028
7Manchester CityMan City178362925427
8Newcastle UnitedNewcastle177552721626
9Fulham176742422225
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton176742726125
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1772839251423
12Brentford177283232023
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd176472122-122
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham175572230-820
15Everton163761421-716
16Crystal Palace173771826-816
17Leicester CityLeicester173592137-1614
18Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1733112740-1312
19Ipswich TownIpswich172691632-1612
20Southampton1713131136-256


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!