Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Arsenal and Chelsea are competing to sign Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams. Both sides recognize him as a primary target, with the impending summer transfer window casting a shadow.
Barcelona have seemingly backed away from a bid for his signing in the meantime, after president Joan Laporta’s comments. The Catalan club president opened up about their interest in Williams last summer. However, he admitted that, having signed Dani Olmo instead, they had decided to look elsewhere.
Now, the two Premier League giants can confront one another directly for signing the Spanish international. The 22-year-old has a €58 million buyout clause, which both Arsenal and Chelsea would be willing to pay. However, his reported demands for high wages of over £300,000 a week are a major point of contention for both clubs.
The Gunners are worried about disrupting their existing pay system. Meanwhile, the Blues are weighing the price of imposing on themselves the cost of agreeing to pay so much. With the interest coming from other places, Williams has reportedly expressed that he was not keen to leave Athletic Bilbao.
According to Fabrizio Romano, he is happy at the Basque club. The personal connection he has with the club and region has only made transfers complicated. Also, Athletic Club want him to stay.
Since the summer window approaches, both Chelsea and Arsenal will have to overcome these financial concerns if either club is to sign Williams. It will likely be a matter of whether the clubs can meet the economic requirements and what dream the player has for his future career.
Chelsea’s Summer Wishlist
With Nico Williams at the top of Chelsea’s wish list, the club is also on the hunt for reinforcements along the center-forward avenue. Manager Enzo Maresca is interested in bolstering the club’s striker shortage, and several names have been tossed into the equation as the top choices.
The marquee signing candidate still appears to be Victor Osimhen. The Nigerian striker, who is on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, has fallen out with his parent club. The Blues are monitoring his situation, but his wage demand could be a problem.
Sporting CP forward Viktor Gyokeres is among their options. The Swedish forward has had a breakthrough season, and Stamford Bridge scouts reportedly value his directness. Meanwhile, the Blues are monitoring Ipswich Town forward Liam Delap, aged 22. Delap comes with a £30 million buyout clause that would be activated if Ipswich are relegated.