Chelsea have made a substantial financial offer to Nico Williams in a bid to outmaneuver Arsenal in the race to sign the talented Athletic Bilbao winger.
Both Premier League giants are eager to secure the services of Williams, who has been turning heads with his performances for Spain at Euro 2024.
As reported by AS, Chelsea and Arsenal are both prepared to activate Williams’ €58 million release clause, which would pave the way for his transfer during the summer window.
However, Chelsea has taken the lead in the negotiations by offering Williams a far more lucrative salary package than Arsenal.
The Blues have proposed a deal that would see Williams’ earnings triple, offering him a whopping €15 million annually.
This is a significant increase compared to what he currently earns at Athletic Bilbao, and it represents a level of financial commitment that Arsenal is reportedly reluctant to match.
Williams, who is one of the most sought-after talents in European football this summer, has also attracted interest from other elite clubs, including Barcelona and Real Madrid.
His performances at Euro 2024 have been particularly noteworthy. Williams has played a crucial role in Spain’s victories over top teams like Croatia, Italy, and Georgia.
His standout moment came against Italy, where he dominated right-back Giovanni Di Lorenzo and played a pivotal role in the match-winning goal, which was ultimately an own goal by Riccardo Calafiori.
In the knockout stages, Williams further demonstrated his quality by scoring a spectacular goal in Spain’s last-16 victory over Georgia.
At just 21 years old, Williams has already established himself as a key player for Athletic Bilbao, where he made his debut in 2021.
Since then, he has made 122 appearances for the club, scoring 20 goals.
His rapid rise has also been reflected on the international stage, where he has earned 17 caps for Spain and scored three goals.
Williams was also part of Spain’s squad for the 2022 World Cup.
Interestingly, his older brother, Inaki Williams, is also a prominent figure at Athletic Bilbao and plays internationally for Ghana.
As both Chelsea and Arsenal vie for Williams’ signature, the financial aspect of the deal could prove decisive.
Chelsea’s willingness to offer a significantly higher salary could sway the young winger to choose Stamford Bridge over the Emirates.
Meanwhile, Arsenal, despite being keen on bringing Williams to North London, may be forced to reassess their approach if they cannot match Chelsea’s financial offer.
Williams is expected to be back in action soon, as Spain prepares to face Germany in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals.
This upcoming match will provide another platform for Williams to showcase his abilities on one of the biggest stages in international football.
While Chelsea and Arsenal remain the frontrunners in the race for Williams, it’s clear that whichever club ultimately secures his signature will be making a significant investment in a player with immense potential.
The outcome of these negotiations could have a substantial impact on the balance of power in the Premier League, as both clubs look to strengthen their squads for the upcoming season.
Whether Arsenal can find a way to compete with Chelsea’s financial muscle, or if Williams will be swayed by the promise of a higher salary and the allure of playing under a new manager at Stamford Bridge, remains to be seen.
The battle for Nico Williams’ signature is shaping up to be one of the defining stories of this summer’s transfer window, and the outcome could influence the fortunes of both London clubs in the coming season.