Chelsea’s hope of signing Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao has hit a stumbling block with the Spanish star holding out for a move to Barcelona.
Having failed to secure a deal for Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise, Chelsea shifted their focus on Nico Williams who was Athletic Bilbao’s standout performer in La Liga last season with five goals and 11 assists.
Williams has continued the good form at Euro 2024, helping Spain qualify for the quarter-final where they’ll play Germany.
Latest report from Spanish newspaper Sport claimed Chelsea have made an approach for Williams through an intermediary. However, Chelsea have been told that the winger’s preference is to join Barcelona.
Nico Williams ocelebrates scoring his Spain’s third goal during the UEFA EURO 2024 round of 16 match between Spain and Georgia. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
The report claims that Chelsea have been advised to be patient during negotiations and that they could take advantage of Barcelona’s financial situation.
Barcelona need to sell in order to bring new players in while Chelsea are prepared to meet Williams’ release clause as well as pay the winger a signing-on fee between €15m (£12.7m) and €20m (£16.9m).
When asked about his future last week, Williams said: ‘Everything that comes from outside is good, it means I’m doing my job well. Every kid dreams of being noticed by big clubs.
‘I’m focused on doing well at the European Championship and whatever comes after that I’ll find out because these days I’m totally disconnected.’
