Chelsea have their eyes on Nico Williams and are preparing to activate the winger’s substantial release clause to bring him from Athletic Bilbao.
The Blues are determined to strengthen their attack and have compiled a shortlist of targets for the summer transfer window. Enzo Maresca is keen to introduce competition for Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson, and Mykhailo Mudryk.
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Although Benjamin Sesko was initially at the top of Chelsea’s wishlist, the club has had to explore other options after the Slovenian committed to RB Leipzig.
Consequently, Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran and Atletico Madrid’s Samu Omorodion have emerged as potential solutions at centre-forward. Chelsea have engaged in talks with both players about possible moves to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have also shown strong interest in Michael Olise, but the Crystal Palace winger is reportedly close to a £60 million move to Bayern Munich.
According to Sky Italia, with Chelsea likely to miss out on Olise, they have turned their attention to Athletic Bilbao star Williams and are ready to pay the 21-year-old’s €55 million (£46.5m) release clause.
Williams had a standout season with Athletic Bilbao last year, scoring eight goals and providing 19 assists in 37 appearances. He is now a regular in Luis de la Fuente’s Spain side, having started both of their opening games at Euro 2024.
The youngster signed a new contract with Athletic Bilbao in December, which keeps him at the La Liga club until the summer of 2027.
Arsenal are also reportedly interested in Williams, with Mikel Arteta considering him one of his preferred attacking options for the summer transfer window.
Despite the rumors, Williams distanced himself from transfer speculation last week, stating he was ‘happy’ at Athletic Bilbao after his recent contract extension.
‘I’ve seen reports talking about my future, but honestly I have no clue of anything,’ he said.
‘Right now, I want to focus on the Euros and nothing else.
‘I am so happy in Bilbao, I signed a new deal and performed well last season. I feel at home, but I don’t know what I will do. Nobody can tell you about the future.’
Athletic Bilbao’s president Jon Uriarte echoed Williams’ comments and insisted that the club were pleased with the player on the back of his excellent season.
‘Nico is very happy in Bilbao and in Athletic and has commented on this many times,’ Uriarte said.
‘We are very happy with Nico.’
