Chelsea are still in the race for Barcelona target Nico Williams
According to Athletic, Chelsea have carried out ‘long-term groundwork’ to sign Spanish winger Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao. The young winger has also thrived in the Euro 2024 for Spain. Barcelona, Chelsea, and other top-tier clubs across Europe are vying for his signature.
The 22-year-old prodigy has impressed football fans with his stunning performances in the Euro campaign for La Roja. Williams scored the opener for Spain in the final against England. He has scored two goals and provided one assist in seven appearances for the national side in Euro 2024. The player’s ability to dominate the game and constant attacking through the flank has made him one of the most valuable wingers of the international campaign.
His impressive stint with his boyhood club in La Liga has paved his way to the international tournament. The young prodigy has scored eight goals and provided 19 assists for Los Leones in the last campaign across all competitions. His impressive stint also made his club offer him a contract extension in December. Nico extended his contract with Athletic until 2027.
Barca president Joan Laporta has confirmed that they are ready to sign the Spaniard and they have advanced with the deal.
Can Chelsea beat Barcelona to Nico?
The Blues are one of the clubs that have a concrete interest in the Spanish winger. Under new Italian gaffer Enzo Maresca, Chelsea are reinforcing the squad for the upcoming season and they already completed five signings in the summer. Maresca would be interested in having Nico by his side as he prepares for a new journey in England.
Currently, Mykhaylo Mudryk is playing as the left winger for Chelsea and had a decent last campaign. Maresca could try bringing Nico and pair him with Marc Cucurella in the left flank for the upcoming season. The duo have already succeeded for La Roja in the Euros, and Spain manager De La Fuente used this to his advantage.
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As Barcelona are facing financial issues, the player’s salary would be negotiated in the Spanish club, and Chelsea can capitalise on the situation by offering a higher salary for the Euro ace.
