DEADLINE MOVE: Breaking from Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are going all out, submitting an offer that outshines Arsenal and Barcelona in the race for the Spanish star Nico Williams
Chelsea have made a more attractive financial offer than Arsenal in their pursuit of Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams.
Both London clubs are in competition for Williams, who has garnered attention with his impressive performances for Spain during Euro 2024.
As reported by AS, Chelsea and Arsenal are both prepared to trigger Williams’ €58 million release clause to facilitate his transfer this summer.
However, Chelsea’s offer includes a much higher salary.
The Blues are reportedly ready to triple Williams’ current wages, offering him €15 million annually, whereas Arsenal are reluctant to match such a high wage and are reconsidering their options in response.
Nico Williams has emerged as one of the most in-demand players in European football this summer, with major clubs such as Barcelona and Real Madrid also expressing interest in signing him.
His exceptional performances at Euro 2024, especially in Spain’s victories over teams like Croatia, Italy, and Georgia, have increased his value on the transfer market.One of his standout moments came during Spain’s win over former champions Italy, where Williams dominated Italy’s right-back Giovanni Di Lorenzo and played a crucial role in Spain’s winning goal—an own goal by Riccardo Calafiori.
Additionally, Williams scored a remarkable goal in Spain’s last-16 win against Georgia, further enhancing his reputation.
The 21-year-old winger is highly regarded for his lightning speed and excellent dribbling skills, which have made him a key player for Athletic Bilbao.
His contract with the club includes a €58 million release clause, and since his debut for Bilbao in 2021, Williams has made 122 appearances, scoring 20 goals.
On the international stage, Williams has also been impressive, scoring three goals in 17 appearances for the Spanish national team.
He was part of Spain’s squad at the 2022 World Cup and has continued to be an important player for his country.
Nico Williams also comes from a footballing family.
His older brother, Inaki Williams, is a prominent player for Athletic Bilbao as well and represents Ghana at the international level.
Looking ahead, Williams is expected to be a key figure in Spain’s Euro 2024 quarter-final clash against Germany, which takes place on Friday.
His future remains uncertain as top clubs continue to vie for his signature, with Chelsea’s financial proposal possibly giving them the edge in the race to secure his transfer over Arsenal and other interested teams.Chelsea and Arsenal are in fierce competition to sign Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, who has attracted significant interest following his impressive performances for Spain at Euro 2024. According to a report from *AS*, both clubs are prepared to activate his €58 million release clause to facilitate a summer transfer.
However, Chelsea have presented a more financially appealing offer than Arsenal, which includes a substantial salary increase. The Blues are reportedly willing to triple Williams’ current wages, offering him €15 million annually. In contrast, Arsenal are hesitant to match such a high salary, prompting them to reconsider their strategy.
Nico Williams, 21, has become one of the most sought-after talents in European football this summer, with other major clubs such as Barcelona and Real Madrid also expressing interest in the winger. His outstanding performances at Euro 2024 have boosted his market value, notably in matches where Spain defeated teams like Croatia, Italy, and Georgia. Williams was particularly influential in Spain’s win over Italy, where he effectively dominated Italy’s right-back Giovanni Di Lorenzo and contributed to an own goal by Riccardo Calafiori. He also scored a remarkable goal in Spain’s last-16 victory against Georgia.
Known for his incredible speed and dribbling prowess, Williams has been a crucial player for Athletic Bilbao since his debut in 2021. Over his 122 appearances for the club, he has scored 20 goals. Internationally, Williams has continued to shine, scoring three goals in 17 appearances for the Spanish national team and participating in the 2022 World Cup.
Coming from a footballing family, Nico Williams is the younger brother of Inaki Williams, a key player for Athletic Bilbao who represents Ghana at the international level.
As Williams prepares for Spain’s Euro 2024 quarter-final clash against Germany, his future remains undecided, with top clubs continuing to vie for his signature. Chelsea’s strong financial proposal could give them a significant advantage in the race to sign him over Arsenal and other interested teams.