Bayern Munich back in for Nico Williams amid Barcelona transfer standstill as Bundesliga side increase offer to Athletic Club star

According to Sky Sports of Germany, Bayern Munich are intensifying their pursuit of Nico Williams, aiming to capitalise on the winger’s hesitation over a move to Barcelona. The Bavarians are on the lookout to bolster their attack, specifically the left wing, and are seemingly not giving up on the Athletic Club star just yet.

The Bundesliga giants have reportedly increased their offer to €12 million net per season in a second bid to lure the Spanish international. While Barca and Williams have agreed on a six-year contract and are prepared to activate his release clause in the coming days, the deal remains stalled due to demands from the player's agent. With both Barca and Bilbao returning to training on July 13, a final decision is expected soon.

In their quest to sign a new winger, Bayern have been linked with numerous names over the past few weeks. They remain linked with Luis Diaz, another player on Barca's radar, while they also expressed interest in signing the Chelsea-bound Jamie Gittens. AC Milan's Rafael Leao and Dutch star Cody Gakpo are said to be in the frame, too. Meanwhile, speculation has been rife with Bayern's determination to get a deal over the line for Stuttgart's Nick Woltemade, although he is being looked at as a Harry Kane backup rather than an out-and-out winger.

La Liga president Javier Tebas insisted on Tuesday that Barcelona are not in any sort of position to successfully register Williams, reiterating that the Catalans must return to the 1:1 financial rule before they can dream of new arrivals. Bayern, having lost Leroy Sane and with Thomas Muller set to depart, too, are in desperate need of attacking reinforcements. The situation will become clearer in the coming days, and it's anyone's guess as to where Williams ends up playing next season, despite his preference to play for the league champions.