Chelsea Ready to Triple Nico Williams’ Salary to Secure Transfer from Athletic Club

Chelsea are prepared to make an irresistible offer to Spain striker Nico Williams to outbid Arsenal and Barcelona for his signature.

Williams has emerged as one of the breakout stars of Euro 2024, playing a crucial role in Spain’s campaign with a goal and an assist in their 4-1 victory over Georgia in the last 16.

His international success follows an outstanding season with Athletic Club, where he helped secure the Copa del Rey, the club’s first major trophy in 40 years.

According to Spanish newspaper AS, Chelsea are so eager to sign the 21-year-old that they are willing to triple his current salary at Athletic.

Additionally, the Blues are prepared to meet his €58m (£49m) release clause.

This significant investment underscores Chelsea’s determination, especially considering Athletic Club’s reluctance to sell players due to their policy of only fielding footballers born or raised in the Basque region.

While Arsenal and Barcelona are also keen on Williams, Barcelona’s financial constraints put them at a disadvantage.

They would need to sell players like Raphinha or Frenkie de Jong to afford his release clause. Reports indicate that Williams, out of loyalty to Athletic, prefers not to join another Spanish club and is more inclined to move abroad.

Williams has stated he will not make any decisions while Spain is still competing in Euro 2024. However, the AS report notes that he aims to resolve his future by the end of July.