Chelsea have made a more attractive financial offer than Arsenal in their pursuit of Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams.
Both London clubs are in competition for Williams, who has garnered attention with his impressive performances for Spain during Euro 2024.
As reported by AS, Chelsea and Arsenal are both prepared to trigger Williams’ €58 million release clause to facilitate his transfer this summer.
However, Chelsea’s offer includes a much higher salary.
The Blues are reportedly ready to triple Williams’ current wages, offering him €15 million annually, whereas Arsenal are reluctant to match such a high wage and are reconsidering their options in response.
Nico Williams has emerged as one of the most in-demand players in European football this summer, with major clubs such as Barcelona and Real Madrid also expressing interest in signing him.
His exceptional performances at Euro 2024, especially in Spain’s victories over teams like Croatia, Italy, and Georgia, have increased his value on the transfer market.
One of his standout moments came during Spain’s win over former champions Italy, where Williams dominated Italy’s right-back Giovanni Di Lorenzo and played a crucial role in Spain’s winning goal—an own goal by Riccardo Calafiori.
Additionally, Williams scored a remarkable goal in Spain’s last-16 win against Georgia, further enhancing his reputation.
The 21-year-old winger is highly regarded for his lightning speed and excellent dribbling skills, which have made him a key player for Athletic Bilbao.
His contract with the club includes a €58 million release clause, and since his debut for Bilbao in 2021, Williams has made 122 appearances, scoring 20 goals.
On the international stage, Williams has also been impressive, scoring three goals in 17 appearances for the Spanish national team.
He was part of Spain’s squad at the 2022 World Cup and has continued to be an important player for his country.
Nico Williams also comes from a footballing family.
His older brother, Inaki Williams, is a prominent player for Athletic Bilbao as well and represents Ghana at the international level.
Looking ahead, Williams is expected to be a key figure in Spain’s Euro 2024 quarter-final clash against Germany, which takes place on Friday.
His future remains uncertain as top clubs continue to vie for his signature, with Chelsea’s financial proposal possibly giving them the edge in the race to secure his transfer over Arsenal and other interested teams.
