Nico Williams snubs Chelsea millions waiting for an offer from Barcelona
Athletic Bilbao attacker Nico Williams is reportedly ready to snub a huge offer to join Chelsea this summer as he holds out for a move elsewhere.
The 21-year-old Spain international was Bilbao’s standout performer in La Liga last season with five goals and 11 assists and has carried that form into Euro 2024 with his superb displays for Spain as La Roja prepares to play Germany in their quarter-final tie on Friday.
Williams has attracted interest from numerous clubs, including the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal, and Barcelona, and his performances in Germany have only served to highlight how good a signing he could become for one of those clubs mentioned.
The fact that the attacker is also available for what appears to be a bargain €55m (£46.5m) due to a release clause in his contract, makes a transfer even more attractive.
Reports in Spain suggest that Chelsea have approached Williams through an intermediary, however, the Premier League side have been told that the winger’s preference is to join Barca instead.
The report claims that the Stamford Bridge outfit has been advised to be patient during negotiations and that they could take advantage of Barcelona’s financial situation. The Catalan side remains in a position where they need to sell first before they can buy, which leaves the door ajar for Enzo Maresca’s men.
For their part, Chelsea have indicated that they are prepared to meet Williams’ release clause as well as pay the winger a signing-on fee between €15m (£12.7m) and €20m (£16.9m).
When asked about his future last week, Williams said: “Everything that comes from outside is good, it means I’m doing my job well. Every kid dreams of being noticed by big clubs.
“I’m focused on doing well at the European Championship and whatever comes after that I’ll find out because these days I’m disconnected.”
Meanwhile, in an interview with Sport last week, Spain and Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal made it clear that he is keen to see Williams join him as a teammate at the Camp Nou this summer.
“We get along very well, and you can see that on the pitch too, that we are very close, that we are very good friends, and that is the most important thing to have the connection on the pitch,” Yamal said.
“I wish Nico could come to Barca.”
