The mural was defaced after Barca sporting director Deco said they could target the winger, who scored in last year’s European Championship final against England to guide Spain to a record fourth title. Williams’ new release clause is likely to put off Arsenal for now, but the Gunners do remain keen to sign a new wide forward.

La Liga confirmed that Barcelona still fall short of the 1/1 financial threshold, which allows clubs to freely register new signings. In short, they can’t spend what they don’t have — even if it’s for a player as electric as Nico.

Nico Williams has formally rejected a move to Barcelona by putting pen to paper on a surprise contract extension with Athletic Club. Personal terms had been agreed between Barcelona and Williams, whose release clause of €62 million ($72.