Chelsea are reportedly eyeing up a summer move for Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams.
The 21 year old is having a superb season for Bilbao and is attracting interest from a host of Europe’s top clubs with Arsenal also interested.
Williams has scored six goals and provided 11 assists from 27 games in all competitions.
Despite signing a new contract in December the release clause remained at £43m which won’t put clubs off from bidding this summer.
The Telegraph reports that although the fee would be relatively low, Williams would command high wages with the Spanish international believed to be earning £100,000 a week after tax in Spain which would put him amongst the top earners at Stamford Bridge.
Williams can play on either wing but started out as a left winger which is currently where Raheem Sterling and Mykhailo Mudryk play.
The Telegraph adds that there is currently no intention to sell Sterling or Mudryk and that both players remain committed to the club.
Sterling was subject to an approach from Saudi Arabia last summer and might be approached again this summer whilst Bayern Munich enquired about taking Mudryk on loan in January.
An out and out striker remains Chelsea’s top priority in the summer and Victor Osimhen and Benjamin Sesko are among the club’s top targets but they have been impressed by the progress of Williams.
Given how expensive a striker is going to be any potential deal for Williams could hinge on how much money the Blues can bring in through player sales.
