Latest transfer news and rumors: Barcelona close to signing Nico Williams

Though the mini transfer window for Club World Cup clubs has now closed, summer deals will pick up again soon. The Premier League transfer window reopens Monday, while the rest of Europe's top leagues prepare to do business July 1. Check in every day for all the latest buzz from across the soccer world.

Top story: Barca agree to terms with Williams

Barcelona are trying to create cap space after agreeing to a contract with Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams. The Blaugrana face a salary-cap crunch under La Liga's financial regulations and can't finalize a deal until they find a solution. But the framework of the deal is set. Barcelona are happy to pay Williams' €60-million release clause to acquire him this summer.

Athletic accept Williams is as good as gone and that they're powerless to stop him from leaving if Barcelona whip up the funds to activate his release clause. Arsenal, Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain have all been pursuing the 22-year-old winger, but he prefers to join Barcelona and play alongside Lamine Yamal. (The Athletic)

Other rumors

June 19

Record bid for Isak: Liverpool are prepared to break the British transfer record for a second time in quick succession for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak. The Reds hope to tempt the Magpies with an offer slightly above the £116 million they've agreed to pay Bayer Leverkusen for Florian Wirtz. (GiveMeSport)

Newcastle in for Rashford: Newcastle are determined to not only keep Isak but partner him with Marcus Rashford. While Manchester United would prefer to sell Rashford outright, Newcastle are only interested in a season-long loan. (The Sun)

Zubimendi deal intact: Arsenal will pay Real Sociedad a little more than Martin Zubimendi's €60-million release clause so they can spread out their payments over a longer period of time. There's no concern that the deal will fall apart. (Fabrizio Romano)

Napoli in talks for Nunez: Antonio Conte's side has opened talks to sign Liverpool's Darwin Nunez, who's expected to leave Anfield this summer. Napoli are searching for attacking reinforcements and have also been linked with pending free agent Jonathan David. (Gianluca Di Marzio)

Napoli also bid for O'Riley: The Serie A champions are ready to spend money and hoping Brighton & Hove Albion will consider selling Matt O'Riley for €30 million. Atalanta and Roma are also interested in the Danish midfielder, who joined the Seagulls last summer for a similar fee. (Sky Sports)

Chelsea prioritizing Gittens: Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca views Borussia Dortmund's Jamie Gittens as the ideal right-footed left-winger for his system. The Blues are likely to improve on the £42-million bid Dortmund rejected earlier this month. (The Guardian)

Emi Martinez wants Man United: Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez told Manchester United he wants to join them. Villa would consider a sale if it helped them comply with the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules. (GiveMeSport)

Saudis won't give up on Theo: Al-Hilal haven't pulled their offer for AC Milan left-back Theo Hernandez, who has so far resisted a move to Saudi Arabia. The Rossoneri are looking to sell the French international for €30 million. (Fabrizio Romano)

June 18

Son to discuss Spurs future: Son Heung-min is set for talks with Tottenham Hotspur, with Al-Ahli, Al-Nassr, and Al-Qadsiah expected to approach the north London side with offers worth €40 million. (talkSPORT)

Race for CHO: Manchester United will rival Napoli and Roma for a chance to sign Nottingham Forest's Callum Hudson-Odoi. But Forest could resist and attempt to sign the winger to an extension. (The Sun)

Napoli want Sancho: Jadon Sancho might be offered a fresh start in Italy. Serie A champions Napoli may attempt to sign the Manchester United outcast following his unsuccessful loan spell at Chelsea. (Gianluca Di Marzio)

EPL teams eyeing Simons: RB Leipzig could make a profit on Xavi Simons just months after signing him for €50 million. At least four Premier League clubs have been linked with the €70-million rated player. (Bild)

Barca not giving up: Although they were rejected by Liverpool, Barcelona are still hoping to sign Luis Diaz. He's considered a "priority" despite reports saying Barca are interested in Nico Williams. (Diario AS)

Duo keen on Rogers: Arsenal and Chelsea appear as though they'll revive their interest in Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers. However, Villa are expected to resist offers for the 22-year-old forward. (Daily Mail)

June 17

United open talks with Ekitike: Manchester United have held exploratory talks with representatives of Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike about joining this summer after missing out on previous targets. (ESPN)

Williams race dwindles down: Arsenal and Chelsea have all but given up hope of signing Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams. Barcelona appear to be favorites, while Bayern Munich could also enter the fray. (The Athletic)

Bayern's long list: In addition to tracking the younger Williams brother, Bayern Munich are interested in Rafael Leao, Bradley Barcola, and Eberechi Eze. (ESPN)

Toffees sweet on Walker: David Moyes has given his approval for Everton to pursue Manchester City's Kyle Walker. Talks have already begun with the right-back, who's also being monitored by Fenerbahce. (Fabrizio Romano)

Arsenal eyeing Laporte: Arsenal have entered the mix for former Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte. The Spain international plays for Al-Hilal but is interested in returning to Europe. (AS)

Son could flee the nest: Tottenham Hotspur would sell Son Heung-min, but only after the club has completed its lucrative preseason tour of South Korea. Son turns 33 next month and has one year left on a contract worth £200,000 per week. (The Times)

Blues inquire about Fofana: Chelsea's efforts to strengthen their attack could lead to a move for Lyon winger Malick Fofana. The Blues recently contacted Lyon about the 20-year-old's availability. (L'Equipe)

Grealish wanted in Italy: Jack Grealish may have a chance to reunite with former Manchester City teammate Kevin De Bruyne this summer, as Napoli are interested in him. (The Telegraph)

June 16

Barca turn attention to Leao: Barcelona could launch a bid for AC Milan's Rafael Leao after failing to sign Liverpool's Luis Diaz. Milan have asked for Ronald Araujo in a swap deal for Leao. (Mundo Deportivo)

Kerkez deal almost done: Liverpool have been given the green light to complete the £45-million signing of Bournemouth's Milos Kerkez. The Cherries recently signed a replacement for Kerkez. (iPaper)

Madrid hoping for Konate: Real Madrid are ready to wait for Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate. The club aims to launch a move for the French defender after his contract expires next summer. (Marca)

Zabarnyi set for PSG: Bournemouth center-back Illia Zabarnyi agreed to join Paris Saint-Germain on a five-year contract. PSG will now discuss a fee with Bournemouth for the 22-year-old. (Fabrizio Romano)

Dzeko back in Italy: Edin Dzeko is nearing a move to Fiorentina on a free transfer from Fenerbahce. Dzeko made previous stops at Inter Milan and Roma. He's set to play under incoming coach Stefano Pioli. (Fabrizio Romano)

June 15

Galatasaray hopeful about Osimhen: Galatasaray have offered Victor Osimhen a contract worth up to €20 million per season to convince him to stay at the club long term. (Florian Plettenberg)

Mourinho meets with Son: Jose Mourinho has spoken to Son Heung-min about reuniting at Fenerbahce. The Tottenham Hotspur star is open to a move, but Fenerbahce would have to stump up €30 million for a player who is out of contract next summer. (Yagiz Sabuncuoglu)

EPL is Garnacho's priority: Despite Napoli's continued attempts to recruit Manchester United outcast Alejandro Garnacho and Bayer Leverkusen's renewed interest, the Argentine would like to continue his career in the Premier League. (Fabrizio Romano)

Milan in talks with Xhaka: Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka has indicated his willingness to join AC Milan, who'll now try to accelerate negotiations with the German club to set up a transfer. (Matteo Moretto)

Robertson open to Atletico: Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson is eager to join Atletico Madrid, and talks over a potential deal are progressing. Atletico hope Liverpool will allow Robertson to leave on a free transfer. (Fabrizio Romano)

Nunez offered to Milan: The Rossoneri are searching for a striker to pair with January signing Santiago Gimenez, and Darwin Nunez would happily join them. The Uruguayan is pushing to leave Liverpool and has relatively low salary demands compared to other strikers on the market. (La Gazzetta dello Sport)

Man United return to Ekitike: Manchester United have turned their attention to Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike after bowing out of the race for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres. But Ekitike's £80-million price tag is considered high, and a bidding war is possible with Chelsea and Liverpool also interested. (Daily Mail)

June 14

No Gyokeres reunion for Amorim: Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has failed in his attempts to lure Viktor Gyokeres, who flourished under his management at Sporting CP, to Old Trafford. The decision potentially opens the door for Arsenal to sign the Swedish striker. (Record)

Atleti chasing Liverpool favorite: Atletico Madrid have made Andy Robertson their No. 1 target at left-back. However, Liverpool would like to keep the Scotsman despite the expected arrival of Milos Kerkez. (Fabrizio Romano)

European champions recruiting: Paris Saint-Germain are getting closer to signing Bournemouth center-back Ilya Zabarnyi. The Ukrainian international could cost more than €60 million. (Matthew Moretto)

Kluivert is hot property: Bournemouth could demand as much as €55 million for Justin Kluivert amid interest from Bayer Leverkusen, Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur. (Caught Offside)

Monaco make changes: In addition to their approach for Paul Pogba, Monaco are trying to get a deal for Barcelona's Ansu Fati over the line this weekend. (Fabrizio Romano)

Goretzka could be forced out: Bayern Munich will usher Leon Goretzka out of the door if a suitable offer comes in for the midfielder. Goretzka, whose contract expires next summer, wants to stay at the club. (Sky Sport Germany)

Tel deal near completion: Tottenham are close to completing a €35-million move for Bayern Munich's Mathys Tel. The 20-year-old joined Spurs on loan in January. (Bild)

Juve's midfielder hunt: Juventus believe Atalanta's Ederson is an expensive target for this summer but certainly much easier to recruit than Sandro Tonali or Davide Frattesi. Al-Hilal are also tracking Ederson. (Gianluca Di Marzio)

Magpies step up Pedro pursuit: Newcastle are yet to table an offer for Brighton & Hove Albion forward Joao Pedro, but they're positive a deal can be done after learning the Brazilian is interested in moving to Tyneside. (The Telegraph)

June 13

Modric delaying Milan move: Luka Modric is postponing his move to AC Milan as he tries to win one last trophy with Real Madrid at the Club World Cup. The Croatian veteran was named in Xabi Alonso's squad for the tournament. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

Ekitike race heating up: Manchester United have joined Liverpool in pursuit of Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike. The Red Devils are believed to have "concrete interest" in the 22-year-old. (Sky Sport Germany)

Napoli staying busy: Napoli are eager to reinforce their squad further after signing Kevin De Bruyne. The Italian side has contacted Liverpool over the possibility of adding striker Darwin Nunez. (Fabrizio Romano)

Inter want Hojlund: As Manchester United mull what to do with Rasmus Hojlund, Inter Milan have emerged as a potential landing spot for the 22-year-old Danish forward. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

David to Turkey?: Galatasaray will try to sign Jonathan David on a free transfer if they fail to land Victor Osimhen. David announced his departure from the French club with his contract set to expire. (Yagız Sabuncuoglu)

Gyokeres speaks out: Viktor Gyokeres insisted he'll make his decision over his future "when the time is right." The Swedish forward is a transfer target for Arsenal and Manchester United (ESPN).

Garcia joining Barca: Barcelona triggered the €25 million release clause in Joan Garcia's Espanyol contract. He'll likely undergo a medical next before completing the transfer across town. (Fabrizio Romano)

Walker's next step: Kyle Walker could end up in Turkey after his poor loan spell at AC Milan. Fenerbahce have approached Manchester City with an official offer for the right-back. (Yagız Sabuncuoglu)

Milan targeting Xhaka: AC Milan are moving ahead with plans to sign Swiss international Granit Xhaka. The Italian side has approached Bayer Leverkusen to discuss signing the veteran midfielder. (Gazzetta dello Sport)