Arsenal handed huge Nico Williams transfer boost after reaching agreement on move

Nico Williams has seen his move to Barcelona stall, despite terms appearing to be agreed for the switch. A verbal agreement was said to be in place between player and club as the Catalan side attempt to claim his signature for the second summer in succession.

Last year, Williams opted to remain with Athletic Bilbao despite Barcelona's interest but now appears keen to make the move to Camp Nou. The Arsenal target has told his current club that he wants to leave to join the La Liga champions in the summer transfer window.

While the deal was looking set to be sewn up in a straightforward fashion, reports in Spain now suggest negotiations have stalled. The standstill is said to be as a result of 'high demands' from the star's agent emerging as a surprise when the contract paperwork started to be drawn up.

But the point of contention raised appears to be that Williams wants a guarantee over his registration. Last year, Barca were unable to register new signing Dani Olmo in their squad until January due to La Liga's financial rules.

For now, the club are claimed to find the request unreasonable after the condition was not part of the original talks. Williams does not want to suffer the same fate as his international team-mate however.

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Hansi Flick's side are claimed to have provided assurances that they will be able to register him for the start of the season. That has not proven convincing enough it seems.

Barca, while there is the opportunity to pay Williams' release clause, are also looked upon less favourably by Athletic Bilbao. The Basque side are pressuring the league to remain vigilant over Barcelona's registration capacity and have criticised their rivals over their public courting of WIlliams.

The combination of scenarios could just leave a door openfor other interested suitors in Arsenal and Bayern Munich. The Bundesliga giants are still hoping to sign the 22-year-old despite his preference for Barcelona.

They are said to have no problem paying his €58 million (£49.6m) release clause plus the corresponding CPI , which would see the package read €62m (£53m). Bilbao would be happier seeing the charge depart to Bayern over Barcelona.

Speaking about a potential deal for Williams, Barcelona sporting director Deco said: "We need to strengthen in this position.

"As wingers, we only really have Lamine [Yamal] and Raphinha. From there, there are names coming out and it will come down to price and quality.

"Nico was there last year but for me, at that time, Dani Olmo was the priority. Now. the same as with other players, Nico is showing a strong desire to come ... And if the right conditions are met in his case, we'll definitely try to complete the deal.

"There's a process with any signing: speaking with agents, clubs, knowing the contractual situation ... Nico's case it clear because he has a release clause. We've met with his agent to see what he wants and we will see if it's possible."

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