Barcelona have agreed personal terms with Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, but obstacles remain before the Spain international can complete his desired move to the Catalan giants.

Williams, who has scored 31 goals in 167 appearances for Bilbao, has drawn interest from Arsenal and Bayern Munich this summer. However, the 22-year-old has committed to a six-year deal with Barça, which would see him reunite with close friend and international teammate Lamine Yamal at the Camp Nou.

Sources say Williams even asked Yamal to help facilitate his move to Barcelona after a standout season with Bilbao, during which he helped the Basque club qualify for the Champions League and reach the Europa League semi-finals.

Barcelona had previously explored a move for Liverpool winger Luis Díaz, but the English club’s £80 million valuation of the Colombian forced them to reconsider. Instead, attention turned to Williams, whose €62 million (£53 million) release clause Barça have indicated they are willing to trigger.

Sporting director Deco reportedly met with Williams and his representatives in Ibiza earlier this week, where a verbal agreement was reached.

Williams enjoyed the most prolific season of his career in 2024–25, netting 11 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions. His impressive form was capped by international success, as he scored the opening goal in Spain’s 2-1 victory over England in the Euro 2024 final in Berlin.