Transfer Talk: Chelsea monitoring Athletic's Nico Williams

Posted Friday, March 08, 2024 by ESPN

Chelsea are one of several Premier League clubs interested in Athletic Club winger Nico Williams, reports Fabrizio Romano.

The Blues have been monitoring the 21-year-old for several months, even before they signed Cole Palmer from Manchester City last summer, and they continue to maintain an interest.

Williams can play on both flanks but has impressed on the left-hand side for the LaLiga side this season, particularly in the club's run to the Copa del Rey final. The Spaniard has scored six goals and added 11 assists, and has a release clause of £43 million.

Chelsea have options in that area of the pitch already, but their interest in Williams poses question marks over Mykhailo Mudryk and Raheem Sterling, the latter of whom has been the subject of interest from the Saudi Pro League.

Chelsea's ability to move for players such as Williams will depend on their ability to trim their squad, while it's clear that their top priority in the summer is an out-and-out striker.

Athletic Club are hoping to keep Williams but are said to be making plans for next season without him, which include a move for Braga's Alvaro Djalo.

Chelsea will look to strengthen their attack by bringing in Athletic Club's Nico Williams.