Chelsea submit 'IMPOSSIBLE TO REFUSE' offer for Arsenal target

Cameron Smith

Updated: 17 Feb 2025 10:11 GMT
3 min read

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is reportedly “obsessed” with the idea of signing Athletic Club winger Nico Williams this summer.

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The Spain international is expected to secure a big-money transfer during the upcoming window and Chelsea are firmly in the race to land his signature as they look to bolster their first-team squad.

The Blues are actively pursuing a new left winger following Mykhailo Mudryk’s provisional suspension for doping and they have identified Williams as a key transfer target, along with Brighton & Hove Albion star Kaoru Mitoma.

Barcelona are also interested in signing Williams this summer, having failed to finalise an agreement in 2024, while FootballTransfers understands that Arsenal are determined to purchase the Spaniard in a bid to improve Mikel Arteta’s forward line.

We have been informed that Arsenal are willing to pay in excess of Williams’ €58 million release clause in order to secure better payment terms, with the 22-year-old viewed as the ideal candidate to take the Gunners to the next level.

Nico Williams to join Chelsea?

However, despite Arsenal’s desire to sign Williams, they are expected to face significant competition from Chelsea.

In fact, the Blues have submitted a proposal that has been described as “practically impossible to refuse” by El Nacional.

The Spanish outlet claim that Chelsea have offered Williams a five-year deal and a net annual salary of €20m. Furthermore, El Nacional state that Maresca is “obsessed” with the Athletic Club star as he looks to improve the attacking options at his disposal.

Chelsea have also been linked with the likes of Benjamin Sesko, Alexander Isak and Liam Delap, with the club set to sign a new centre forward during the 2025 summer transfer window.

The west London giants are currently sixth in the Premier League table, having picked up just two wins from their last nine matches in the competition.