Barcelona were dealt a huge blow as priority target Nico Williams appears set to continue at Athletic Club for one more season, after being handed the No. 10 shirt by the Basque outfit.
The Blaugrana had been holding out hopes to sign the 22-year-old despite recent speculations suggesting that he is unlikely to arrive this summer.
Yet reports over the weekend that Joan Laporta himself was ready to take charge of negotiations and that Nico wanted to join Barcelona.
But, the 22-year-old dropped a hint about staying put at Athletic Club when he said he wishes to make history with the No. 10 shirt.
As such, Mundo Deportivo reports that Barcelona are ready to move for alternatives for Nico Williams, but without ruling out the possibility of the Spaniard’s arrival.
The Catalans remain intent on reinforcing the left flank and wish to sign a top player for the position, while not spending more than the €62 million that signing Nico would have cost.
In fact, Barcelona already have three names as possible alternatives, starting with Liverpool winger Luis Diaz, AC Milan speedster Rafael Leao, and Bayern Munich ace Kingsley Coman.
The interest in Diaz is not entirely new with both Deco and Laporta being admirers of the Colombian international. However, a move for him will not come cheap while recent reports also suggest that he intends to stay at Liverpool this summer.
Leao is another player who is highly appreciated at Can Barça. However, the Portuguese international would likely cost in excess of €100 million if the Catalans were to make a move for him this summer.
As such, Coman appears to be the best-placed alternative for Barcelona if they do indeed miss out on Nico. The Frenchman will be allowed to leave by Bayern Munich this summer, with a loan deal a possibility as well.
So, with less than three weeks to go until the market closes, Barcelona are ready to move on. They are not prepared to wait until the last day for Nico to give a positive response and will act on alternative targets.
