Barcelona Transfer News Roundup: Arsenal eyeing Spanish ace, Catalans suffer Dani Olmo blow, and more - January 1, 2025

Barcelona return to action after the short winter break on Saturday, January 4, when they take on Barbastro in the Copa del Rey. Hansi Flick's team are currently third in LaLiga after 19 games.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are planning a move for a Spanish forward also wanted by the Catalans. Elsewhere, the LaLiga giants have suffered a setback in their efforts to keep Dani Olmo at Camp Nou.

On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from January 1, 2025.

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Arsenal eyeing Nico Williams

Nico Williams

Arsenal are considering signing Nico Williams in January, according to The Daily Mail. Barcelona wanted the Spanish forward in the summer of 2024, but the move failed to materialize.

The Catalans remain linked with an attempt to sign the player at the end of this season, but prising him away from Athletic Bilbao won't be easy. He is under contract with the Basque club until 2027 and reportedly has a £50m release clause in his deal.

That makes it difficult for the LaLiga giants to complete a move, given their poor finances. Meanwhile, the Gunners are long-term admirers of the player and are apparently eyeing a move for the 22-year-old this month.

Mikel Arteta wants a new forward to help deal with Bukayo Saka's injury and has set his sights on his countryman. However, the report adds that the north London side are not entirely sure that the player would agree to leave in the middle of the season.

It is also believed that Williams prefers a move to Barcelona and is already planning to join them at the end of this season. Bayern Munich and Manchester United are apparently in the race as well.

Barcelona suffer Dani Olmo blow

Dani Olmo's future remain uncertain

Barcelona may have to pay Dani Olmo the full value of his contract if they fail to register him by January 3, according to Fichajes. The Spanish midfielder joined the Catalans last summer from RB Leipzig, but they could only register him until December 2024.

The Spanish giants are working to register the player with LaLiga until at least the end of the season. Should they fail to do so within the stipulated time, they risk losing him for free.

However, the situation could also have added financial implications for Barcelona. If they are unable to register the player by January 3, they may also be required to pay Olmo all his dues for the length of his contract, which runs until 2030. The Catalans also have to pay RB Leipzig fixed payments of €48m, which is also a big problem for their poor financial situation.

Gerard Martin agrees new deal

Gerard Martin

Gerard Martin has agreed a new deal with Barcelona until 2028, according to Mundo Deportivo. The Spanish left-back's contract expires at the end of this season, adding to speculation regarding his future.

Martin has registered 14 appearances across competitions this season, six of which have been starts. While he remains behind Alejandro Balde in the pecking order at Camp Nou, the player has apparently earned the trust of Hansi Flick.

The German manager wants him to stay and the club have already reached an agreement regarding a renewal. The report adds that the new deal will contain a €100m release clause. However, an official confirmation is pending.