Chelsea Transfer News: Blues Reportedly Plot £77m Move for Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams

Chelsea are reportedly preparing an ambitious bid for Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, with Spanish outlet Fichajes claiming the Blues want to beat Arsenal and Manchester United to his signature.

Nico Williams: Bilbao Career and Spain Success

Williams moved from the Osasuna academy to Bilbao in 2013 at the age of 11. He climbed through the youth ranks and the reserves before making his senior debut as a substitute in a 2-2 draw with Real Valladolid in April 2021.

Since then, the 24-year-old has made 204 appearances, contributing 75 goals and assists. He also played a major role as Spain won Euro 2024 and, according to the report, lifted the World Cup this year.

Chelsea Interest and Reported £68m Offer

According to Fichajes, Chelsea have admired Williams for years, long before he signed a 2025 contract extension that reportedly pushed his release clause up to £77m. The outlet also claims a £68m offer has been made, though Bilbao have not confirmed receiving any bid.

Citing TransferFeed, Fichajes adds that Arsenal and Manchester United are also planning approaches. Williams resisted interest last summer and remains a key figure at San Mamés, having featured in five of Bilbao’s last six La Liga fixtures.

Would Williams Fit Xabi Alonso’s System?

Alonso already has plenty of attacking options, most of them wide players. However, his set-up rarely calls for traditional wingers. They tend to be used as wing-backs, like Pedro Neto, or in one of the two number ten roles, filled by Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers.

That is why, in our view, Williams would be more of a luxury than a necessity. Chelsea’s midfield and defence look like the areas where a big fee would go further, particularly with the back line leaking goals. Still, it will be interesting to see whether the Blues genuinely test Bilbao’s resolve.