Chelsea are preparing an offer for Athletic Club winger Nico Williams ahead of the January transfer window.
Chelsea FC Logo
Chelsea FC Logo
Full name: Chelsea Football Club Nickname: The Blues Founded: 10 March 1905 Ground: Stamford Bridge Owner: BlueCo Chairman: Todd Boehly Manager: Xabi Alonso League: Premier League Season 2025-26: 10th position Website: chelseafc.com Chelsea Football Club is one of the most… Read More about CHELSEA
Chelsea are monitoring Nico Williams as they consider their options for the January window. The Athletic Club winger remains on the radar of a number of major European sides, while Chelsea’s plans could also hinge on what happens with Jamie Gittens, as per latest transfer news.
Chelsea interested in Nico Williams
Chelsea are reportedly prepared to make a move for Williams during the January transfer window. As reported by CaughtOffside, the London club are interested in the winger and could be prepared to trigger the release clause of €90m set by Athletic Club**.**
That figure would make Williams a major investment for Chelsea, but his profile could appeal to the club as they look for more attacking options. The 24-year-old has already built up significant experience with Athletic Bilbao and Spain. Williams has made 204 appearances for Athletic Bilbao, scoring 38 goals and registering 37 assists. His numbers have helped establish him as one of the more productive wide players in Spanish football. He has also become a regular for Spain, earning 36 caps and scoring six times.
His pace and chance creation have made him a well-known winger in La Liga. Chelsea could look at him more closely if they want another wide player. However, a deal would not be easy. Williams is under contract with Athletic Bilbao until 2035. His release clause could therefore be key to any deal.
Gittens situation could open the door
The interest in Williams comes at a time when Gittens’ position at Chelsea is attracting attention. Gittens joined Chelsea after making his name in Germany, but his time at Stamford Bridge has not gone exactly as expected. Questions over his future have now created a possible opening for the Blues to change their options on the left side.
Gittens wanted to leave Chelsea during the summer and was interested in a move to Roma. Chelsea did not allow that transfer to happen, leaving the winger at Stamford Bridge.
If Gittens wants to leave, Chelsea may need to find a replacement first. This is where Williams could come in. Chelsea already have many attacking players, so adding another winger may not be the main goal. Instead, Williams could fill a spot if the club changes its wide attack. Williams also brings plenty of experience. He has played many games for both his club and Spain. That could make him a useful option for Chelsea.
Chelsea Football Stadium - Stamford Bridge
Chelsea Football Stadium - Stamford Bridge
Nico Williams’ Athletic Club stats for the 2025/26 season, as per FOTMOB–
Competition Appearances Goals Assists Chances Created
La Liga 25 6 3 34
Copa Del Rey 4 0 1 5
Champions League 3 0 0 4
Manchester United also monitoring Williams
Chelsea are not the only major English club linked with Williams. Manchester United have also been mentioned as a possible destination for the Athletic Bilbao winger. The Red Devils still have some questions in attack. Marcus Rashford made a return to the Red Devils after spending a season on loan at Barcelona. However, his future role is still unclear. This could leave space for another winger. Williams could become an option if United want to add a wide attacker.
Chelsea could also have a reason to look at Williams. If Gittens leaves Stamford Bridge, Williams could offer more experience in attack. However, the price could be a major factor. Chelsea may need to pay his reported €90m release clause. Other clubs are also said to be interested. With January approaching, Williams’ future is one to watch. Chelsea’s interest could become stronger if Gittens’ situation develops, while United remain another club linked with the Spain international. The winger could therefore become a notable name in the next Premier League transfer window.