Barcelona want gesture from Nico Williams ahead of next summer transfer market

Barcelona continue to insist that the left-wing position is a priority for the club in the transfer market, despite Raphinha's scintillating form. They also still have Athletic Club's Nico Williams at the top of their shortlist.

Williams, 22, was the subject of a lengthy pursuit from Barcelona last summer, which ended when the Basque winger opted to stay in Bilbao. The Blaugrana could not guarantee his immediate registration at the time. Sport say Barcelona will move for him next summer, but only if he makes it clear in advance that he intends to sign for the Catalan giants.

Otherwise they won't. Williams has Athletic trying to extend his contract and increase his release clause (€60 million from last summer), and a number of other clubs are also trying to tempt him. Barcelona have named Napoli striker Khvicha Kvararatskhelia and AC Milan's Rafael Leao as alternatives.

Including wages, Williams may not be that much cheaper than Kvaratskhelia, but is likely to be significantly cheaper than Leao, with the Rossoneri demanding €150 million last summer. However, Williams already has a relationship with several Barcelona players from Spain and is also three years younger than Leao and a year younger than the Georgian.