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Fabrizio Romano says Barcelona are worried Arsenal will sign ‘incredible’ forward this summer

Lucas Arnold

Sun 14 July 2024 10:45, UK

Journalist Fabrizio Romano has now shared that Barcelona are devising a plan to beat Arsenal to one attacking signing this summer.

Mikel Arteta has reportedly made it clear to Edu and his transfer team that he wants Arsenal to sign a forward with ‘x-factor’ before next season.

Many felt as if Arsenal were lacking in that regard last campaign, particularly when they failed to convert their dominance against Bayern Munich at home in the Champions League.

Arsenal enjoyed an outstanding season, but still fell down by the smallest of margins in pursuit of silverware.

And after failing to sign RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko earlier in the summer, who agreed a new deal with the Bundesliga side, it now seems as if Arsenal will change tactics.

Instead of seeking a goal-scoring number nine, Arteta is thought to want to add a creative wide-forward, someone who can compete with Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka.

And in that regard, Athletic Club’s Nico Williams is thought to be Arteta’s first choice for Arsenal, a young winger who has been ‘incredible’ at Euro 2024.

Barcelona devise plan to beat Arsenal to Nico Williams signing

To that end, journalist has now shared how Barcelona intend to win the signature of Williams this summer, who are aware that Arsenal are in the race.

Speaking on YouTube, Romano shared that Barcelona intend to act fast amid concern that Arsenal could make their own move this summer.

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Romano explained: “Barca want to go for Nico Williams. Barca want to be fast because they know that the English top clubs, Chelsea, Arsenal, are keeping close eye to the situation of Nico, but they don’t want to pay that big money of release clause, the commission, salary, so Barca want to win this race on the timing. 

“They want to be faster and Barca are prepared starting from next week to advance and push on this deal. There is a crucial factor. Barca could need to sell a player also to make some pace for Financial Fair Play.”

Of course, it was earlier shared that Barcelona were discussing personal terms with Williams, demonstrating their position as first-movers.

Arsenal may be working behind the scenes in that regard, but it’s often been stated that neither Edu or Arteta want to become embroiled in a bidding war.

So perhaps Arsenal could therefore eventually take their interest elsewhere, perhaps in the direction of Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze.