Chelsea battle Tottenham and Bayern for €50m LaLiga superstar

Tom Weber

5 Mar 2024 16:35 GMT
4 min read

Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Chelsea are among a host of clubs keen on signing Nico Williams this summer, according to a report.

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The Athletic Club talent has gone from strength to strength in recent seasons and established himself as one of LaLiga's biggest prospects and most exciting players. The tricky winger has thus far notched six goals and 11 assists in 27 games across all competitions, recently playing a crucial role in the Bilbao side defeating Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey.

His form has, unsurprisingly, attracted the attention of Europe's elite. Indeed, Williams was already heavily linked with an exit last summer, but nothing ultimately materialised. Rumours again ramped up in the early parts of the new season, but the youngster, feeling comfortable and settled in Bilbao, put them to bed by signing a new deal in late 2023.

Nevertheless, interest in his services remains and it is believed that his contract extension was more a way for Athletic Club to protect themselves against losing Williams for nothing than an actual long-term commitment.

Williams eyed by Chelsea

Indeed, according to TEAMtalk, Williams is 'expected to leave' in the summer and Chelsea, Bayern and Tottenham are keen on securing his signature. In recent weeks, Arsenal have also been linked with the Spain international.

What makes Williams so attractive is the fact that he will be available for a relatively affordable €50 million due to a release clause in his fresh deal. The report asserts that Chelsea, despite their wealth of winger options, have sent several scouting missions to the Basque Country to watch the 21-year-old.

The Blues could look to Williams as a potential alternative to Michael Olise. The Crystal Palace winger snubbed Chelsea last summer and could do so again this year, with Man Utd on the verge of taking a massive step towards his arrival with a key appointment.