Chelsea have put their attractions in Nico Williams and will cause the winger’s heavy termination clause to keep him away from Athletic Bilbao.
The Blues are determined to attack and have drawn up a short list of targets for the summer transfer window, with Enzo Maresca set to compete with the likes of Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson and Mykhailo Mudryk.
Benjamin Sesko was one of the most sensible on Chelsea’s wish list, but the west London giants were forced to explore other avenues after the Slovenian ceded his long career to RB Leipzig.
This has seen Aston Villa’s Jhon Durán and Atlético Madrid’s Samu Omorodion emerge as answers to the centre-forward and Chelsea have held talks with either player over move plans at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have also been attributed an interest in Michael Olise, but the Crystal Palace winger is reportedly close to spending £60m on Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.
According to Sky Italia, Chelsea, resigned to defeat in their pursuit of Olise, have turned their attention to Athletic Bilbao star Williams and are willing to pay the 21-year-old’s €55m (£46. 5m) clause.
Williams enjoyed a superb season with Athletic Bilbao last season, racking up 8 goals and 19 assists in 37 appearances, and is now a regular in Luis de los Angeles Fuente’s Spanish team, starting any of the team’s first matches at Euro 2024. .
The youngster signed a new contract with Athletic Bilbao in December, which ties him to La Liga until the summer of 2027.
Arsenal are also understood to like Williams and Mikel Arteta sees the player as “one of their options” in attack for the summer transfer window.
Williams distanced herself from rumours of a possible move last week and insisted she was “happy” with Athletic Bilbao after agreeing a new deal over the winter.
“I’ve noticed news that talks about my future, honestly, I have no idea about anything,” he said.
“At the moment what I need is the euro and nothing else.
“I’m very satisfied in Bilbao, I signed a new contract and behaved well last season. I feel at home, but I don’t know what I’m going to do. No one can tell you about the future.
Athletic Bilbao president Jon Uriarte echoed Williams’ comments under pressure that the club was satisfied with the striker after his fair campaign.
“Nico is very satisfied in Bilbao and at Athletic and has commented on it on several occasions,” said Uriarte.
“We are very satisfied with Nico. “
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