Chelsea enter race to sign Nico Williams - report

Chelsea are weighing up a summer move for Athletic Club winger Nico Williams, a new report claims.

Williams has enjoyed a fine 2023/24 season in Bilbao, playing a key role in their march towards finishing in La Liga's Champions League places, while they are also heavy favourites to win the Copa del Rey final against Mallorca. He has registered six goals and 11 assists in 27 matches across all competitions so far this term.

The 21-year-old's form has not gone unnoticed and he has been linked with several of Europe's biggest clubs, with the Daily Telegraph reporting Chelsea are the latest side to take an interest.

The Blues' main priority for the summer transfer window is to sign a new star striker, with Napoli's Victor Osimhen and RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko on their shortlist. This could mean that a move for Williams hinges on the club generating funds through player sales.

Williams' contract with Athletic Club, which was only signed in December 2023, contains a release clause worth £43m, though he earns over £100,000-a-week and Chelsea would need to make him one of their highest earners.

Should Chelsea pursue a move for a new winger, then they could be open to shifting Raheem Sterling or Mykhailo Mudryk. The former received an offer to join the Saudi Pro League last year and could yet be approached again, though there is nothing to suggest he is interested in such a move.

While Williams is enjoying a fine season, Chelsea sit 11th in the Premier League standings and face an uphill battle to secure European qualification. They were beaten in the final of the Carabao Cup by a depleted and inexperienced Liverpool side but remain in the hunt for silverware and have been drawn against Championship leaders Leicester City in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

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