Chelsea 'in talks' over Arsenal HIJACK

Cameron Smith

24 Mar 2025 17:30 GMT
4 min read

Enzo Maresca, Chelsea, Mikel Arteta, Arsenal — © IMAGO

Chelsea have reportedly initiated talks with Nico Williams’ representatives as they look to hijack Arsenal’s deal for the Athletic Club winger.

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Enzo Maresca’s side are determined to sign a new right-footed winger during the 2025 summer transfer window, amid Mykhailo Mudryk’s provisional suspension for doping, and they have now joined the race to sign Williams.

Current ETV

Nico Williams

M (L)

Athletic

Nico Williams

M (L)

Athletic

ETV Range

€64.1M - €78.4M

That is according to TBR Football, who claim that Chelsea have engaged in talks with the 24-year-old’s entourage as they consider triggering his €58 million release clause.

FootballTransfers understands that Arsenal are pushing to finalise a deal for Wiliams ahead of the summer window, with the Gunners currently the favourites to acquire his signature following the conclusion of the 2024-25 campaign.

However, Chelsea have reportedly intensified their pursuit of the Spain international and are set to battle Arsenal when the summer transfer window opens.

Barcelona have also been heavily linked with a move for Williams, although Hansi Flick’s side are hamstrung by financial woes and they have reportedly been told they must act quickly if they want to secure the Athletic Club star.

READ MORE: Chelsea top scorers 2024/25

Chelsea to sign Nico Williams as a replacement for Jadon Sancho?

Chelsea’s interest in Williams follows speculation that they could opt against signing Jadon Sancho this summer.

Manchester United included an obligation to buy clause in his loan move to Stamford Bridge, although the Blues reportedly have the option to cancel this agreement if they pay Ruben Amorim’s side a penalty fee of €6m.

The west London giants are currently expected to sign Sancho on a permanent deal for €30m, but GiveMeSport have reported that Chelsea could look to immediately sell him amid interest from Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen.

Sancho has only scored two goals and provided six assists in 28 appearances across all competitions for Chelsea, while his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) currently stands at €36.2m.