Chelsea is likely to sign Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams when the transfer window opens in the summer, reports said. 21-year-old Nico, alongside his elder brother Inaki Williams, was among the star performers as the La Liga's Basque-based club lifted the Copa del Rey on April 6 to bring a 40-year-long trophy drought to an end. Blibao defeated Mallorca in a penalty shootout after the two sides remained inseparable at 1-1.
Chelsea was impressed by Nico Williams' performance throughout the 2023-24 campaign, FootballInsider said in a report. Hellbent on solving their incapability to score goals at will, Chelsea is determined to sign the speedy winger, it added.
The signing is going to be a costly affair for the London club as Williams has a release clause worth £43million in his current contract with Athletic Bilbao which he penned in December 2023.
Nico Williams has managed six goals and 14 assists from 30 appearances across all competitions this season for his side. Nico and Inaki often start on the left and right wing respectively behind striker Gorka Guruzeta. They combine with fellow attacking midfielder Oihan Sancet to create scoring chances under manager Ernesto Valverde. Athletic Club are currently fifth in the La Liga with 56 points from 30 games. Nico remains pivotal to their plans to seal the Champions League slot next season. They trail fourth-placed Atletico Madrid by two points.
Chelsea, meanwhile are reeling ninth in the Premier League and looks destined to miss out on European competitions next year. Poor finishing has caused them dear during the campaign and the club's scouts are on the lookout to find goal-hungry strikers who match Mauricio Pochettino's demands.