Nico Williams to Chelsea Latest Transfer – Player Position, Cucurella Message, Barcelona Alternative

Nico Williams’ future continues to be the subject of speculation as numerous clubs across Europe are interested in a move for the Athletic Bilbao winger.

The 21-year-old admitted he was flattered by all the interest but insisted his focus remained entirely on helping Spain at Euro 2024. He said: “Everything that comes from outside is good, it means I’m doing my job well. Every kid dreams of being noticed by the big clubs.”

That being said, football.london has rounded up everything you need to know about the winger.

Nico Williams’ Favorite Destination

Chelsea and Arsenal both have Williams in their sights but are likely to miss out, with the winger set to stay in Spain this summer, according to Sport and MD, who claim Barcelona would be his preferred destination if he were to secure a move.

Williams’ bond with Spain team-mates Pedri and Lamine Yamal would be an asset to him. The report adds that Chelsea have been told Williams would prefer to join the Catalan side and that he would be “crazy” about a potential move to Barcelona, ​​who finished second in La Liga last season.

READ MORE: Chelsea given green light for £50m move by target Enzo Maresca as wonderkid’s £17m loan move already confirmed

READ MORE: Arsenal raise concerns over Riccardo Calafiori that Mikel Arteta won’t like to hear amid £40m gamble

What did Williams say?

Speaking to the media about the transfer links, the 21-year-old said: “I’m focused on doing well at the European Championship and whatever happens after that I’ll figure it out because these days I’m totally disconnected.”

What did the president of Athletic Bilbao say?

Athletic Bilbao president Jon Uriarte has given an update on Williams’ future and said he is confident he is not looking to move him. “We have an impressive talent in the team,” he said.

“When things are like this, it is normal that there are players who generate interest, but we are not here to talk about rumours. Nico is happy in Bilbao and at Athletic and we are very happy with Nico. We are not concerned about rumours, we are focused on creating an attractive project for all our players, fighting for titles and European competition.”

Spanish star wants Williams in Barcelona

Barca star Pedri is among those to admit he is trying to lure the 21-year-old to the Camp Nou, having scored a goal and provided an assist in Spain’s recent 4-1 win over Georgia.

“Nico Williams would be a spectacular signing for us at Barcelona, ​​it would be incredible,” he told Mundo Deportivo (via The Mirror). “He’s a player who is already showing what he’s capable of. I hope he can join us!”

Asked about the extent of the talks over a Williams transfer, the Camp Nou talisman added: “We don’t talk about it much. It’s a decision that he and Barca have to make. There are a lot of things that have to happen.”

Lamine Yamal added: “We get along very well, and that also shows on the pitch, we are very close, we are very good friends, and that is the most important thing to have that connection on the pitch. I would like Nico to be able to come to Barça.”

Marc Cucurella persuasion

For his part, Marc Cucurella tried to convince the winger to join London. He said: “He is a great player, he brings out all his potential, it is a source of pride that he is in our team, that he is our teammate and with players like him, everything is easier.”

“It would be a great transfer, but it all depends on his opinion. I’m pushing him to sign for Chelsea. In the end, it all depends on him. He’s very young, with a lot of experience, and I think he’ll be a great player.”

Barcelona position

Barca are keen to sign Williams but it remains to be seen whether they can afford to pay his £49m (€58m) release clause amid reported financial problems. Journalist Marcos Benito says: that the Spanish giants have identified Toluca’s Maxi Araujo as an alternative player, should they fail to secure Williams.

Sporting director Deco is said to be “closely monitoring” the Uruguayan, who has a £17m (€20m) release clause.

Premier League teams interested

In addition to Chelsea and Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool are also said to be interested in the winger, with Spanish outlet Nacional (via the Mirror) claiming the Reds are willing to activate his release clause.

Contract details

Williams is contracted at Bilbao until the summer of 2027 after extending his stay last December due to Premier League interest.