Nico Williams is still one of the players expected to attract significant attention in the upcoming transfer window.
The Athletic Bilbao winger has reportedly emerged as a target for Chelsea, with the Premier League club potentially making a move as early as January.
According to Fichajes, Chelsea are prepared to offer €80 million in an attempt to persuade Athletic Bilbao to part ways with Nico Williams. Such a bid would put the London club among the Spanish winger’s leading suitors. However, Chelsea’s interest in the player is not something new.
Barcelona had already tried to sign Nico Williams in the summer of 2025, but the move failed to materialise after the two sides could not reach an agreement.
Arsenal have also been regularly linked with the winger in recent months, although no deal was completed during the latest summer transfer window. Manchester United are now reportedly showing interest in the 24-year-old as well.
The biggest obstacle for the clubs interested in Williams is his current contract with Athletic Bilbao. The Spain international is tied to the Basque club until 2035, with his release clause reportedly set at €90 million. Reports suggest Athletic Bilbao are not prepared to easily negotiate the winger’s asking price. Chelsea could therefore be required to raise their offer if they want to trigger the full release clause and secure Williams.
Williams’ impressive statistics help explain why several top clubs are interested in him. Since making his professional debut for Athletic Bilbao, the winger has scored 38 goals and provided 37 assists in 204 official appearances.
This season, he has found the net once in five La Liga appearances.
At international level, Williams has earned 36 caps for Spain and scored six goals, while also building an impressive list of honours with the national team.
