The sun is about to set on the 2024-25 season, but there is still a lot on the line for Chelsea. The Blues find themselves in fifth place in the Premier League table, and their chances of qualifying for next season’s UEFA Champions League hang by a thread.
Additionally, Enzo Maresca’s men have also reached the semi-final of the UEFA Conference League and will be looking to add some silverware to their cabinet before the season ends.
But regardless of how Chelsea’s season ends from here, the club is set for a busy transfer window with incomings and outgoings in equal measure.
Enzo Maresca will be looking to strengthen his squad at both ends of the field, and so it makes sense that the club has been linked with some of the brightest players from across the globe.
However, attracting the best players in the world comes at a price, and Chelsea look like they are going to learn this the hard way.
After signing Estevao Willian from Palmeiras in Brazil, the Blues are now linked to Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, according to Mail Sport.
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Though the Spaniard has an affordable £48m release clause in his contract, his representatives are demanding more than £400,000 a week as salary.
While there is no doubt that Williams is a top-quality player who will add a lot of value to the Chelsea squad, the club is stunned by his wage demands.
What Nico Williams would bring to Chelsea
Enzo Maresca is looking to bolster his attack for next season as Chelsea look to compete for titles on the domestic and European front.
The earlier signing of Estevao Willian is a statement of intent in that direction, and the potential signing of Nico Williams could well be the same.
If Chelsea do manage to get the Spanish international to Stamford Bridge, he would likely occupy a place on one of the flanks.
Williams is known for his explosive pace on the wings and his ability to get in behind defences at will.
If Chelsea do manage to negotiate a wage structure for the winger, they could add a world-class talent to their roster who adds a whole different dimension to their playing style.
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