Chelsea make early move to sign Nico Williams – sources
Chelsea have moved to steal a march on their rivals and seal a deal for Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams, sources have told Football Insider.
The Blues are trying to set up a deal for the 21-year-old, who won the Copa del Rey on with Athletic on Saturday (6 April), pre-window as they eye attacking reinforcements this summer.
Williams has a release clause worth €50million (£43million) in his contract with the Basque club.
It is believed Chelsea have decided to pursue a move for the Spain international after watching his performances closely in the 2023-24 campaign.
The winger, who penned a new deal at San Mames in December 2023, helped end Athletic Club’s 40-year trophy drought with a penalty shoot-out cup final victory over Real Mallorca on Saturday.
He has notched six goals and 14 assists (20 total goal contributions) in 30 appearances across all competitions this term.
Chelsea swoop to land Athletic Bilbao assist king Williams this summer
As per FotMob, Williams is among the leaders in La Liga for penalties won, successful dribbles, chances created and cross accuracy this term.
He made his first-team debut for Athletic in April 2021 and has gone on to notch 18 goals and 21 assists in 115 total appearances for the club.
The winger, who can play on the left and right, made his senior Spain debut in September 2022 and played every game at the World Cup in Qatar later that year.
Williams, who is under contract until June 2027 in Bilbao, has scored twice in 13 caps for his country.
Chelsea will be without Champions League football once again in the 2024-25 campaign but could secure European qualification with a strong end to the season.
The Blues sit ninth in the table with eight games left to play this term – and are four points adrift of seventh-place West Ham.
In other news, Chelsea expect “huge fan backlash” after transfer update.
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