'I don't like it' - Arsenal and Chelsea target hits back at Barcelona chief over transfer admission


Reported Arsenal and Chelsea target Nico Williams has hit back at Barcelona president Joan Laporta as he continues his bid to win Euro 2024 with Spain. Williams has been one of the stars of Euro 2024 so far, playing a central role for La Roja on their way to Sunday’s final with England.
Spain have won every game so far, and a win in normal time or extra time on Sunday would ensure they become the first ever team to win the European Championships by winning every game without the help of penalties. Almost everyone is in agreement that Luis de la Fuente’s men have been the best team in the tournament up to this point, and Williams has been central to their efforts, along with superstar youngster Lamine Yamal on the other side.
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Hide AdWith Williams having also put together a superb season with Athletic Club, helping them to a fifth place finish in La Liga, there is plenty of transfer attention surrounding the winger this summer. That is especially the case because the Spaniard has a release clause worth around £46.3million, making him particularly affordable for many big clubs.
Athletic Club are able to up his wage if necessary, being a cash rich club, but they will also do right by the player if he wants to step up to the very top level. Though, n move is going to come about in the next week, with Williams repeatedly saying he does not want to discuss anything surrounding his future despite links with Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona among others.
Williams has asked his agent and his family not to talk to him about any interest or anything that can distract him from his bid to win Euro 2024, and he has also spoken about how he and his teammates have made a habit of switching their phones off and engaging themselves with other activities while in Germany.
Despite all that, Barcelona president Laporta has been asked about the possible signing of Williams, admitting: “At the moment, we can afford to sign Nico Williams financially speaking. I like Nico Williams a lot. We have to let Deco work to try to close the deal. I hope they give us good news.
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Hide Ad“Obviously I like him a lot. But here we have to let those who have the responsibility work, and Deco is working to make the signings that he and Flick have discussed, and I hope to have good news.”
While in normal circumstances that might be good news for a player like Williams, he did not appear happy when asked about Laporta’s comments ahead of Sunday’s big final in Berlin. “I don’t like people talking about this now when I’m focused on winning the Euros,” he replied to reporters on the ground.
Williams only signed a new contract with Athletic Club in December, and playing alongside his brother Iñaki Williams, he does not seem to be in any rush to depart the Basque Country. But it’s clear he is able to play at the very top level, and that opportunity is likely to be presented to him this summer.
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