Chelsea want to take another step forward next seasonChelsea want to take another step forward next season
Chelsea want to take another step forward next season | AFP via Getty Images
Chelsea are said to be ready to pay a release clause as they look to strengthen an area in need.
Chelsea are already stepping up their summer transfer efforts with the early window now open. The Blues, and indeed their rivals, have until June 10 to do any early business as part of a special window brought in because of the expanded FIFA Club World Cup.
The Blues will go into that competition feeling good about their chances after a fine end to the season that saw them secure Champions League qualification with a top four finish, and they then went on to win the Conference League, picking up silverware to cap off a fine campaign.
But there will be even bigger expectations next season, with Enzo Maresca surely hoping to close the gap between his side and champions Liverpool. New signings will be required to achieve that, and Chelsea are likely to sign a striker or two, as well as a winger and a centre-back, and they could yet strengthen in other areas.
The Blues are expected to sign Liam Delap in the coming days, while they have a decision to make over Jadon Sancho, needing to decide whether to keep him for £25million or break off the previous agreement for a fee of £5million. Chelsea must then consider where else they need to improve, and even if they do keep Sancho, they are likely to sign another winger having found themselves with a lack of depth in that position, especially with versatile forward Christopher Nkunku expected to leave.
We have seen transfer links aplenty, and one of them involved Athletic Club and Spain superstar Nico Williams, who has a release clause that will be seen as achievably my a number of top clubs. The £49million clause is there to be had, and unlike last summer when the winger decided to stay with Athletic Club, it’s expected that he is willing to take the step up to a club ready to compete for titles this summer.
The release clause does have to be paid in full, but Williams is a unique talent, and at 22 years of age, there is a feeling that this is a unique opportunity to sign an elite player for a very reasonable price.
Chelsea ‘ready’ to pay release clause
According to a report from Si Phillips Talks Chelsea,, Chelsea are well aware of that, and they have reportedly informed the player’s agent that they are ready to meet his release clause if he wants to make the move to Stamford Bridge. Although, it’s added that the wage negotiations could be an issue.
The youngster will be acutely aware that his transfer fee is a cheap one, and that will allow him bargaining power when it comes to wages this summer. According to Sport, Williams has told his representatives of a deadline that he has for his future to be resolved, and if it is not met, he will remain where he is. Chelsea’s opportunity to act may be now, but the winger is currently with Spain, so negotiations may be slow during the 10-day window, with a move in the later window perhaps more likely.
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