Barcelona feeling ‘cheated’ by top attacking target; focusing on other options | OneFootball

With the new season just around the corner, it is perhaps fair to say that Barcelona are losing their grip on the pursuit of top attacking target Nico Williams.

The Spanish forward has not responded to Barça’s offer yet, but at the same time, he has made no confirmation on his future.

There are conflicting reports coming out of Spain, which has only added to the uncertainty. Now, recent reports suggest Nico could end up staying at Athletic Club, especially after a ‘big hint’.

Laporta feeling cheated

In light of this uncertainty over Nico’s future, a recent report from Jose Alvarez (h/t FCB World) has claimed that Joan Laporta is feeling cheated by the Spanish international.

As reported in the past, Barcelona had a 5-year agreement with Nico over a potential move to Catalonia. The club were willing to pay the attacker a salary of around €7.5 million.

Laporta is not too happy with Nico (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

In order to facilitate the transfer, Barcelona even had €58 million frozen in the bank. But Nico never truly responded or helped expedite the transfer.

As a result, Laporta feels cheated by Nico, with the club now increasingly keen on pursuing other targets in the market.

Barcelona pursuing other options

Alvarez adds that Barça are indeed started working on other targets in the market, in their bid to reinforce the ranks in the offensive unit.

Laporta believes Barcelona are bigger than any player. And to that end, the club will pursue other options, if the attacker refuses to move to Catalonia for whatever reason.

For now, though, Barcelona’s immediate worry will be to register new signing Dani Olmo. The Spanish international is still not a part of the team, even though we are just days away from the start of the new season.