Hopeful Barcelona expect response from key target by the middle of next week

With little over a month remaining until the summer transfer window slams shut, FC Barcelona must act swiftly in the market.

The foremost priority for the Catalan giants is the acquisition of Nico Williams, whom they have tailed for much of the summer.

While Barcelona have everything prepared to activate the Basque winger’s €58 million release clause, things have been held up as Williams has yet to give the green light for the transfer to proceed.

Williams’ fate will be known soon

Now, according to SPORT, Barcelona have yet to receive an official response from Nico Williams regarding their interest, but the club remain confident in his strong desire to join.

Barça are hopeful that his enthusiasm for the move will eventually lead to a positive decision.

The hold-up makes sense given that Williams has spent the entirety of his career at Athletic Club and he values the connection with the club and its fans.

Yet to make a decision. (Photo by INA FASSBENDER/AFP via Getty Images)

Still, his familiarity with Barcelona players on the Spanish national team and his ambition to compete at the highest level lead the Catalans to believe he will eventually make the move.

Moreover, the report argues that Barcelona are confident that they will receive a response from Nico Williams by the middle of next week.

Once a resolution is achieved, Barça are anticipated to divert their focus toward other areas in the squad, with Dani Olmo heavily linked and a defensive midfielder also on the agenda.

Barcelona have an edge over PSG

While PSG have been vying for Nico Williams’ hand too, Barcelona believes they possess the upperhand in negotiations.

Barcelona remain confident due to the Spaniard’s express desire to join them and despite the Parisians’ superior financial muscle, they are not seen as a major threat.