ARSENAL and Chelsea are set to fight it out for Spain star Nico Williams this summer – but Barcelona already have an edge over the Premier League sides.

Athletic Bilbao forward Williams, 22, scored two and assisted one for Luis de la Fuente’s men at Euro 2024.

Nico Williams, right, shone for Spain at the Euros and is now being chased by Arsenal and Chelsea

Nico Williams, right, shone for Spain at the Euros and is now being chased by Arsenal and ChelseaCredit: GettyWilliams was one of the best players at this summer’s Euros

Williams was one of the best players at this summer’s EurosThat included the opening goal in Sunday’s final against England as Spain triumphed 2-1 to clinch a record-breaking fourth European Championship.

Williams’ stellar Euros comes off the back of a superb campaign for Bilbao which saw him contribute eight goals and 19 assists in 37 appearances.

According to The Athletic, signing the winger would require paying the LaLiga club his £49million release clause up front.

Williams is at the front of Arsenal’s list of priorities, but it is understood Mikel Arteta would need to sell players to finance the deal.

The Gunners are linked with selling the likes of Kieran Tierney, Aaron Ramsdale, Reiss Nelson and Eddie Nketiah.

Chelsea also remain keen on Williams having monitored him for some time.

However, they do already possess a number of options on the flanks – Mykhaylo Mudryk, Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke and Raheem Sterling to name a few.

And they are also aware Barcelona appear to be the front-runners to sign Williams.

Lamine Yamal, who occupied the other flank for Spain at the Euros and assisted Williams’ goal in the final, is keen for the Bilbao man to join him at the Nou Camp.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has also made it clear they could pursue Williams.