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News
- 7 hours ago
Nico Williams: Chelsea to trigger release clause after agent meeting
Cameron Smith
- 3 Jun 2025 10:00 BST
- 4 min read
News
Chelsea have reportedly indicated their desire to trigger the €58 million release clause in Nico Williams’ Athletic Club contract following talks with his agent.
The Spain international has been sounded out as one of the Blues’ top transfer targets amid their pursuit of a new left winger and they are eager to finalise an agreement for his signature this summer.
Current ETV
Nico Williams
M (L)
Athletic
Nico Williams
M (L)
Athletic
ETV Range
€69.1M - €84.4M
Williams scored 11 goals and provided seven assists in 45 appearances during the 2024-25 campaign, and he is also being heavily chased by Arsenal, who are the current frontrunners for his signature.
Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Real Madrid have all been linked with a move for Williams in recent months too, although Athletic Club boss Ernesto Valverde recently hinted that an extended stay at San Mames could be on the cards following their qualification for next season’s Champions League.
Despite this, Chelsea remain interested in signing the 22-year-old and they engaged in talks with his representatives over the weekend, according to Simon Phillips.
It’s understood that Enzo Maresca’s side have informed Williams’ camp of their willingness to trigger his €58m release clause this summer, although his wage demands may still prove to be an issue.
Williams is reportedly demanding a weekly salary of over €400,000 and this would make him Chelsea’s highest-paid player by a significant margin. Reece James is currently the highest earner at Stamford Bridge, with a reported wage of €300,000 per week, while Cole Palmer, by comparison, earns a weekly wage of just over €150,000.
Who will Chelsea sign this summer?
Chelsea have already confirmed the summer arrivals of Estevao Willian, Kendry Paez and Dario Essugo, while Mamadou Sarr is set to join the west London outfit from sister club Strasbourg.
A deal for Ipswich Town forward Liam Delap is on the verge of being formally announced, and Chelsea are also pushing to bring Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike to Stamford Bridge.
If they are unable to sign Williams, Maresca’s side are expected to sign either Jamie Gittens or Alejandro Garnacho.
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