Chelsea are mad for Nico Williams! Blues ready to triple Athletic Club striker's salary and meet his release clause to beat Arsenal and Barcelona to Spain's Euro 2024 breakout star

Posted Wednesday, July 03, 2024 by Goal.com

Chelsea are ready to make Spain striker Nico Williams an offer he cannot refuse to beat Arsenal and Barcelona to his signature.

WHAT HAPPENED?
Williams has been one of the breakout stars of Euro 2024 and one of Spain's key players, scoring and providing an assist in La Roja's 4-1 win over Georgia in the last 16. His feats with Spain follow an exceptional season for Athletic Club, who he helped win a first major trophy in 40 years with the Copa del Rey.

THE BIGGER PICTURE
Chelsea are so keen to sign Williams, 21, that they are ready to offer him triple the amount of money he earns at Athletic, according to Spanish newspaper AS. The Blues are also willing to meet his €58m (£49m) release clause to prise him from Athletic, who are always reluctant to sell players because they only allow footballers born or raised in the Basque region to play for them.

DID YOU KNOW?
Arsenal are also interested in signing Williams as are Barcelona. However, Barca are believed to be unable to compete financially with Arsenal or Chelsea and would have to sell either Raphinha or Frenkie de Jong in order to pay his release clause. Separate reports have stated that Williams is not willing to join another Spanish club out of loyalty to Athletic and would only be interested in moving abroad.

WHAT NEXT FOR WILLIAMS?
The striker has made it clear he does not want to make a decision while Spain are still involved in Euro 2024. However, the AS report adds that he wants to resolve his future before the end of July.