Nico Williams would be FOOLISH to seal €50m Chelsea transfer

Cameron Smith

• 9 Apr 2024 16:00 BST
• 4 min read

Nico Williams is set to be the subject of a transfer tug-of-war during the upcoming transfer window, with Chelsea and Arsenal leading the race to sign him this summer.

Williams, 21, is regarded as one of the most promising youngsters in world football and he has been continuously linked with a big-money Premier League move over the past few months.

The Spain international has a €50 million release clause included in his contract at Athletic Club and while he only signed a new deal in December, he could leave the club for pastures new ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.

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A Premier League switch is currently deemed his most likely option, with Chelsea and Arsenal set to be involved in a transfer war as they attempt to acquire his services.

While Williams is a key target for both clubs, he certainly seems like a more desperate need for Chelsea, given the presence of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli at the Emirates, and the fact that Pedro Neto is also wanted by the Gunners.

However, Williams may be a tad foolish if he opts to sign for Chelsea during the upcoming window.

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Why Nico Williams should consider rejecting Chelsea

Firstly, Williams recently helped Athletic Club win the Copa del Rey for the first time in 40 years - a result which sparked jubilant celebrations in the Basque Country on Sunday.

He is adored by supporters and his older brother, Inaki, is a club legend. In addition, triumph in the Copa del Rey has confirmed their place in next season’s Europa League, while a top four finish and Champions League qualification via LaLiga remains a possibility.

Either way, European football is a guarantee for next season. The same can’t be said for Chelsea.

The Blues’ woeful performance - and subsequent draw - against Sheffield United means that securing any form of European football in 2024-25 is far from guaranteed, with Chelsea currently ninth in the Premier League table.

Europa League qualification remains on the cards for Mauricio Pochettino’s side, but they can’t afford too many more slip-ups this campaign. While Williams will be playing in Europe next year if he stays at Athletic Club, Chelsea have not yet secured this status.

Furthermore, the atmosphere at Stamford Bridge is far worse than the one at San Mames and Williams would be giving up club legend status to become a small piece in a larger puzzle in west London.

Game time may also decrease, considering competition from Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, Raheem Sterling and Mykhailo Mudryk. In addition, the vast majority of Chelsea's recent signings have performed poorly and any prospective new arrival should take that into consideration.

Ultimately, Williams has the chance to cement his name into Athletic Club folklore, like his brother has, and joining Chelsea wouldn’t be a particularly forward step in his career given their lack of form over the past two years.

Loyalty is almost non-existent in modern football, but Williams should certainly think long and hard about remaining at Athletic Club for the foreseeable future, rather than joining an out-of-shape Chelsea this summer.