Arsenal have made a strong play to secure the signature of Nico Williams from Athletic Club, making the Spain international a huge contract offer that cannot be matched by their rivals in the race to sign him.

Rumours emerged this week suggesting that Williams prefers a move to Barcelona, and Bailey has verified these reports, revealing that this was always going to be Arsenal’s issue regarding convincing him to move to North London.

Joan Laporta, the president of La Liga club Barcelona, has expressed doubts about the potential transfer of winger Nico Williams from and the Spain national team, who recently became a champion at Euro 2024.