Chelsea eye Athletic Bilbao ace Nico Williams in the summer transfer window; Barcelona proving to be a problem
Chelsea will have to wait further to pursue Euros 2024 star Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao. The Spaniard has impressed the football world with his performances for the Spanish national team. Barcelona is the main competitor for Chelsea in the race to sign the player.
Spain’s national team has consistently shone in major tournaments, continuing their streak in Euro 2024 by advancing to the quarterfinals. The team is always enriched with young talents, and Spanish winger Nico Williams is currently a hot topic in the football world. His extraordinary performance in the Euro campaign has caught the eye of different clubs across Europe.
The 21-year-old winger, a product of Athletic Bilbao, signed his professional contract with the club earlier this year. He has been one of the top goal contributors for the club in the last three years. Nico had his best campaign with the club last season, scoring eight goals and providing 19 assists in 37 appearances across all competitions, helping his club finish fifth in the league and secure a Europa League spot.
This impressive club campaign paved the way for his entry into the national squad for Euro 2024. Luis de la Fuente’s pick proved wise, as Nico featured for Spain in three games, including the Round of 16 match against Georgia. The youngster dominated in all his appearances, scoring a goal and providing an assist in the match against Georgia, which helped Spain advance to the quarterfinals.
Nico signed a contract extension until 2027 with Athletic Bilbao last December. Barcelona is heavily interested in the winger and has started discussions with the player. Chelsea, therefore, needs to pause their move for the winger, according to Spanish publication Sport.
Chances of Nico to join Chelsea
Currently, the West London club may lose their Spanish target as the winger is reportedly more interested in joining the Catalan club. Barcelona’s financial situation is an open secret, and they must find a way to sign the Athletic ace. Barcelona can easily convince the player with his national teammates who play for the club.
The West London club is ready to offer Nico between €15m to €20m, double his current salary, and is also willing to pay the €60m release clause to acquire his signature. Barcelona cannot match these figures given their financial situation. However, the player’s interest matters, and he is currently waiting for Barcelona.
Chelsea will take a pause in the deal and wait for the player’s decision. However, waiting may increase the number of clubs in the race, which could affect the Blues’ dream of signing him. Nonetheless, Todd Boehly will try his best to acquire the Spaniard’s services for Chelsea in the upcoming season.
If Chelsea manages to bring the player to Stamford Bridge, manager Enzo Marcesa will have plenty of fast players available in his squad. Nico, who can make speedy runs through both flanks, can provide enough crosses to Chelsea strikers, reducing the workload for Cole Palmer.
