Real Madrid opt out of race to sign Barcelona and Arsenal target - Reports
Real Madrid have abandoned their pursuit of Barcelona target Nico Williams, according to SPORT. The Spanish forward is a wanted man this summer, with Arsenal also hot on his heels.
Williams has enjoyed a steady rise with Athletic Bilbao in recent years and has earned admiration from multiple clubs across the continent. The 22-year-old helped Spain win Euro 2024, and was in great form with the Basque club in the 2024/25 campaign as well.
Williams registered 11 goals and seven assists from 45 games across competitions this season. Recent reports have suggested that Barcelona have reignited their interest in the Spaniard, after failing to sign him last summer.
The Catalans are in the market for a new left-forward, and it was previously believed that Liverpool's Luis Diaz is their priority target. However, Barcelona apparently have their eyes on Williams as well, and recent reports have suggested that they have already held talks with the player's entourage.
Meanwhile, it was previously reported that Real Madrid have identified the Spaniard as a possible replacement for Vinicius Junior. Los Blancos are locked in talks with the Brazilian regarding a renewal, but negotiations have hit a roadblock due to his wage demands.
The situation had briefly prompted the Santiago Bernabeu hierarchy to consider Williams as an option to replace Vinicius. However, Real Madrid have now shelved those plans as the Brazilian is not going anywhere until at least next summer.
How many times did Barcelona defeat Real Madrid in the 2024/25 campaign?
Real Madrid, under former manager Carlo Ancelotti, lost all four games against Barcelona in the 2024/25 campaign. The highly anticipated tie between the two Spanish giants, dubbed the El Clasico, is a ferocious affair steeped in history.
The Catalans secured a 4-0 win against their bitter rivals in October last year at the Santiago Bernabeu in the league. Los Blancos had the chance to avenge the loss in the Supercopa de Espana final in January.
However, Carlo Ancelotti's side succumbed to a 5-2 defeat instead. Barcelona next faced Real Madrid in the Copa del Ray final in April, which turned out to be an intense affair.
Hansi Flick's men, however, secured a 3-2 win after extra time. The Catalans also won the home leg in LaLiga in May by a 4-3 scoreline. Despite going 2-0 down by the 14th minute, the Blaugrana rallied to secure a victory that all but clinched the league.
