Chelsea is one of many clubs currently keeping an eye on Nico Williams, an up-and-coming winger from Athletic Club. The 21-year-old recently signed a new contract with the Spanish club, complete with a release clause of around €50 million ($71m). Despite the relatively low release clause for a player of his potential, Chelsea, along with Arsenal and Liverpool, have shown interest in the young talent.
Financial Challenges for Chelsea
Chelsea’s main focus this summer is bringing in a top striker, with names like Victor Osimhen and Benjamin Sesko at the top of their list. However, the club’s ability to make big-money signings may be hindered by their recent financial losses. With a reported pre-tax loss of £90.1m ($117m) for the year ending June 30 2023, Chelsea’s spending power in the transfer market is limited.
While Osimhen is seen as Chelsea’s preferred choice, his hefty €130m release clause could lead the club to explore other options. Benjamin Sesko, with a more affordable €50m release clause, is being considered as a budget-friendly alternative. Another name on Chelsea’s radar is Ivan Toney from Brentford, although his price tag of £80m may be a stumbling block.
Impact on Current Squad
The potential signing of Nico Williams could have repercussions for Chelsea’s current wingers. Players like Raheem Sterling, Mykhailo Mudryk, and Noni Madueke may find themselves facing uncertain futures if Williams joins the squad. However, as of now, there is no indication that any of these players will be put on the transfer list at the end of the season.
In order to make room for new signings and balance the books, Chelsea is expected to offload several players this summer. Conor Gallagher, who has been linked with a move to Tottenham, could be one of the first casualties as the club aims to create space in the squad for fresh faces.
Overall, Chelsea’s pursuit of Nico Williams is contingent on various factors, including the club’s financial situation, the availability of other targets, and the willingness of current players to move on. While the young winger represents an exciting prospect for the Blues, navigating the complexities of the transfer market and managing the squad effectively will be crucial for Chelsea’s success in the upcoming season.
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