Chelsea are ‘pushing to take’ Athletic Club Bilbao star Nico Williams to Stamford Bridge in the summer window, according to Tuesday’s edition of Sport.
The Spain international starred for the La Liga side last season, managing eight goals and 19 assists from 37 games. He’s extended his fine form to the Euros, where he managed a goal and an assist in La Roja’s 4-1 win over Georgia.
Barcelona are keen on signing the winger and they have to be wary of Chelsea, who have made their move through an intermediary to try and sign the 21-year-old.
It’s claimed Chelsea have ‘no problem’ in activating Williams’ €60m clause and are willing to offer him personal terms worth between €15m and 20m per year. He currently earns €7.8m per year at Athletic and the west London club would double his salary.
The newspaper says Williams is ‘crazy’ about joining Barca. Enzo Maresca’s side are aware of their financial situation, and it gives them an advantage to get ahead of the Catalan club in the transfer race.
Hansi Flick’s side have to raise funds before making an approach to sign him, and they trust the player to wait for them to secure his services. Barca’s Spanish players are also trying to convince Williams to join them at the Camp Nou.
Chelsea are pressing ‘with a dizzying proposal’ to sign Williams, but the intermediary has told them that his priority is to join Barcelona.
They have also informed the Blues that trying to put pressure on the attacker could work against them and have asked the Premier League side to be patient.
Despite having the advantage of both time and money over Barca, Chelsea have to wait to find out their chances to sign Williams this summer.
