Bayern Munich already looking for alternatives for top target who wants Barcelona move | OneFootball

The potential signing of Nico Williams by FC Barcelona has gained momentum following a meeting between the player’s agent, Felix Tainta, and sporting director Deco last Friday.

During the meeting, the player’s agent confirmed that his desire was to join Barcelona. The development was well received by club president Joan Laporta, who had initially been hesitant about signing the Athletic winger due to his previous refusal last season.

Given the situation, Barcelona are now prepared to do everything in their power to sign Nico, while the player is also desperate to secure the move.

Bayern Munich already looking for alternatives

In this context, other clubs who held an interest in Nico Williams are now exploring alternatives, anticipating that the Spanish international may end up at Barcelona.

Indeed, according to Sky Germany (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Bayern Munich are monitoring several wingers, including Bradley Barcola (PSG), Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton& Hove Albion), Rafael Leao (AC Milan), and Cody Gakpo (Liverpool).

Vincent Kompany’s Bayern giving up on Nico Williams chase? (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)

Bayern had been one of the most strongly linked clubs to the 22-year-old, but the Bundesliga champions are now pursuing other options, acknowledging the difficulties in securing the transfer.

The report also notes that the Bavarians’ sporting director, Max Eberl, is well aware of Barcelona’s negotiations with Nico and is waiting to see whether the Catalan club encounters any financial obstacles in completing the transfer.

Barcelona are aware that the cost of signing Nico Williams is €58 million – the value of his release clause – plus the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which would bring the total to around €62 million.

The La Liga champions are currently analysing the feasibility of the deal, especially since Athletic Club are unwilling to accept payment in instalments for the departure of one of their key players.

But given the player’s preference, Bayern seem to be shifting their focus to alternatives while Arsenal and Chelsea have also cooled their interest in him.