Aston Villa are reportedly preparing to join the race to sign Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams.
The 22-year-old has emerged as one of the most in-demand players in European football on the back of his performances for his club and Spain.
Five goals and 11 assists came in La Liga during 2023-24, helping Williams establish a starting role for his country at Euro 2024, a tournament in which they won on Sunday night with victory over England.
Williams scored the first goal in the Berlin showpiece, helping La Roja beat the Three Lions by a 2-1 scoreline, and it has only enhanced his stock ahead of more admirers emerging in the race for his signature.
Chelsea were initially viewed as the frontrunners until it became apparent they were against meeting the player's wage demands, with Barcelona now seemingly in a position of power.
As well as Williams allegedly preferring the transfer to Camp Nou, it has been confirmed by La Liga president Javier Tebas that Barcelona are almost at a stage where they can afford to meet his €58m (£48.7m) release clause.
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Villa ready to compete with Europe's elite
The current expectation is that a transfer will materialise once Barcelona facilitate further outgoings, yet it appears they face a rival in Villa.
According to TEAMtalk, Unai Emery has given the green light for the Premier League outfit to activate the option that is present in the wideman's contract.
Reports have indicated that Moussa Diaby could soon be departing the West Midlands for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad in a deal that would be worth at least €55m (£46.2m).
Despite being perceived as a blow, that would provide Villa with the funds to spend big on a replacement, with sporting director Monchi seemingly given the go ahead to negotiate a deal.
While it is claimed that Barcelona remain as favourites, it is suggested that there is 'a genuine chance' of the Catalan giants being gazumped for their priority target.
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Busy summer for Villa
Having secured Champions League football for next season, Emery would have hoped for far less business to be conducted than has been necessary.
Before the latest accounting date of June 30, Villa needed to wheel and deal in the transfer market to ensure that they met the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability regulations.
Although that was achieved, Emery already has five new players to integrate into his squad, and more will follow if Diaby completes a move to the Middle East.
That said, if Villa did win the race for Williams, the show of intent would have a long-lasting impact and perhaps contribute positively to convincing other players to move to the club.
