Barcelona club icon Rivaldo has issued a note of caution on their transfer interest in Nico Williams.
The Catalan giants are pushing hard to find a solution to secure a summer move to sign the 22-year-old from Athletic Club.
However, despite their interest, the wider parameters have not changed, with the Basque giants prepared to push for his full €58m release clause in Bilbao.
Barcelona are angling for a structured deal with talks expected to roll into August before a definitive step is taken by either side.
La Blaugrana fans are confident on welcoming Williams as their player in the coming weeks, but Rivaldo warned any deal deal cannot be done in response to Real Madrid bringing in Kylian Mbappe.
“I have great affection for Barca, but I cannot lie, Real Madrid are ahead. If Nico Williams goes to Barca, it’s positive, but one or two more signings are needed to be ‘that’ team who enchants the world”, as per reports from Marca.
“Barca need to show they are as strong as Real Madrid. On paper, with the signing of Nico Williams, they would be strong, but they have to prove it, especially in El Clasico.
“Barca can’t just sign Nico Williams to beat Mbappe’s Real Madrid.”
No confirmation over an agreement is expected in the coming weeks, with Williams granted an extended summer break, and Barcelona still trying to raise the funds for an offer.