Barcelona president accused of lying over Nico Williams pursuit

Barcelona presidential candidate Victor Font has accused president Joan Laporta of lying about the club's ability to sign Nico Williams this summer.

A release clause of €58m (£49m) has seen Williams attract significant interest from Europe's elite this summer, with Arsenal and Chelsea joining Barcelona in pursuit of the Euro 2024 winner's signature.

Despite the club's well-known financial issues, Laporta has long insisted that Barcelona have a genuine chance of signing Williams, vowing that enough work has been done behind the scenes to raise the requires funds.

Font, however, has insisted a move for Williams has never been a true possibility.

"I wish we could sign Nico Williams as it is what we need," Font told The Athletic. "The president has said it is possible, but that is not true. Today, it cannot be done.

"We hope it will be possible tomorrow, or the following day. But today, it is not."

Font continued: "We socios want to dream and to believe what we are being told. The problem is we've had three summers of being told all is fine, we'll sign players and it's all resolved.

"With every year that passes the credibility is falling. And this summer, if promises are not fulfilled, credibility will fall even further."

Laporta's stance may be meaningless when all is said and done as reports suggest Williams has already decided to remain with Athletic Club for at least one more season.

Barcelona's focus is currently on striking a deal for another Euro 2024 winner, midfielder Dani Olmo. Talks remains on with RB Leipzig over an agreement which could be worth over €60m (£51m).

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