Real Madrid keeping tabs on 22-year-old Barcelona top target – report | OneFootball

Nico Williams was highly linked with a move to Barcelona in the summer, following an excellent Euro 2024 campaign.

However, despite a failed move to Catalonia, Nico remains one of the hottest prospects in Spanish football, with even Barça retaining their interest in the player.

The Catalans, though, could face significant competition to sign Nico Williams next summer, with their most familiar rival joining the chase.

Real Madrid enter race to sign Nico

As reported by Paco Gonzalez on COPE (h/t Fichajes), Real Madrid appear to have joined the race to sign Nico Williams next summer, as they look to shore up their ranks in the attacking unit.

The report adds that Real Madrid are keeping close tabs on Nico. His performances, especially in the Champions League, have encouraged the club, who are exploring a potential move to Santiago Bernabeu.

Nico remains a hot prospect in Spain (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Although Athletic Club have no desire to offload Nico anytime soon, they are aware of the fact that retaining the player could be next to impossible.

This has put Real Madrid on red alert, with the reigning European champions ready to compete with Barcelona in the race to sign the Spanish international.

Potential roadblocks for Real Madrid

However, a Real Madrid move for Nico Williams cannot be taken for granted just yet. That is because a move to Santiago Bernabeu would depend on a lot of factors.

The report suggests Real Madrid can only sign Nico if they make more space in the squad, which could include the sale of either Vinicius Jr. or Rodrygo – something that appears quite unlikely.

Not to mention, the Spanish giants are more focused on reinforcing other areas of the squad, including the defensive area.

The club have been closely linked with moves for Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alphonso Davies, among others. A move for Nico, therefore, might be unlikely as things stand right now.