Exclusive: Chelsea have star with €50m release clause on their list, says transfer expert

Chelsea are eyeing up a potential transfer move for Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, who has been on their list for some time, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The talented 21-year-old has really caught the eye in La Liga this season and it seems inevitable that he’ll soon get a big move, especially as he has a €50million release clause in his contract this summer, according to Romano.

Speaking exclusively to CaughtOffside for the latest edition of his column for the Daily Briefing, Romano explained that nothing much has changed with Williams’ situation, but he remains on Chelsea’s list, as he has been for some time.

“Nico Williams is on Chelsea list of players being monitored, he has €50m release clause, so Chelsea know all the conditions,” Romano said.

He added: “At the moment nothing is 100% decided yet and there are also other clubs keen, but Nico is on Chelsea list since last summer.”

Williams transfer: Would the Athletic Bilbao star really pick Chelsea right now?

Williams certainly seems like the kind of exciting young talent who could fit the bill for the Blues and their overall transfer strategy under the ownership of Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali.

Aged just 21, the Spain international has his best years ahead of him, so could be a good investment for Chelsea if they manage to win the race for his signature, though it will be interesting to see if he chooses Stamford Bridge at this moment in time, when the club is really struggling.

Chelsea finished 12th last season and are 11th this term, so they look highly likely to be out of Europe again next season, which will surely be a concern for a talent like Williams, who could also have his pick of various other top clubs.

Attacking players make sense as a priority for CFC this summer, with Williams surely an upgrade on the likes of Raheem Sterling, Mykhailo Mudryk, and Noni Madueke.