Personal terms threaten to scupper deal for Chelsea target with €50m release clause

Release clause gamble? Nico Williams potential outweighs financial risks for Chelsea

Nico Williams has been linked with a move to Chelsea FC as they continue to sign high-potential players from around the globe despite the pressure from Financial Fair Play rules.

Williams has been in top form this season, boasting a tally of seven goals and sixteen assists in 34 appearances in all competitions for Athletic Bilbao so far while guiding the Spanish club to the Copa del Rey. He is also expected to be part of Spain’s squad for the upcoming Euro 2024.

The Blues are one of the sides chasing a trio of Premier League clubs—Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and Aston Villa—for Nico Williams’ signatures. The 21-year-old signed a new three-year contract at San Mamés in December last year to preserve his value, as his contract was about to expire this summer. Irrespective of his new contract at the Basque club, the Spaniard has a £43 million (€50m) release clause in his contract.

Golden boy, Golden wages? Bilbao star priced out despite stellar season

While the interests in his signatures fortify, the clubs have been put off pursuing his signatures owing to extraneous wage demands per 90mins. The Spain international is already said to be among those earning €200,000 per week, which is a high figure as it is, and he wants to have more in his bank every week from any club he signs for.

The report states that Chelsea as well as Aston Villa have monitored the player for a while; however, they are unlikely to ossify their interests in a transfer as of now due to the financial commitments that such a deal would necessitate.

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For Chelsea, any deal with such massive financials isn’t necessarily possible owing to the FFP limitations. It will be interesting to see if any club gives in to his wage demands this summer.