According to reports, Chelsea has expressed its intention to activate Nico Williams’ €58 million release clause in his Athletic Club contract after speaking with his agency. The Blues are keen to finalize a deal for the Spain international’s signature this summer and have made him one of their top transfer targets in their search for a new left winger.
During the 2024–25 season, Williams made 45 appearances, contributing 11 goals and seven assists. Arsenal, the current front-runners for his signature, is also actively pursuing him.
Williams has been linked to moves from Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Manchester United, and Real Madrid in recent months. However, Athletic Club manager Ernesto Valverde recently suggested that an extended stay at San Mamés might be in the cards after their Champions League qualification for the upcoming season.
Simon Phillips claims that despite this, Chelsea is still interested in signing the 22-year-old and held discussions with his representatives over the weekend. Although Williams’ pay demands might still be a problem, it is believed that Enzo Maresca’s team has told Williams’ camp that they are willing to activate his €58 million release clause this summer.
Chelsea wants Nico Williams
According to reports, Williams makes almost £171,000 per week. Interest clubs have reportedly been informed by the 22-year-old’s agents that he expects to earn up to £400k a week when he joins a new team.
If a move to Stamford Bridge is to be finalized, there will need to be some serious talks with Chelsea.
Jadon Sancho was not paid £300k per week by Enzo Maresca’s team. Williams’ upside is bigger than Sancho’s, but Chelsea is unlikely to pay him even more. In recent years, the Blues have signed younger players in an effort to reduce their salary expenditure. It is obvious that they and Williams must reach an agreement if he is to join in time for the upcoming season.
The signing of striker Liam Delap has reportedly become right-footed left winger Chelsea’s “priority.” Williams, along with players from Manchester United and the German Bundesliga, is on Chelsea’s shortlist. Williams is one of Chelsea’s six intriguing summer targets, according to sources who spoke to TEAMtalk.
