Report: Chelsea willing to trigger clause but wage demands stall progress | OneFootball

Williams becomes a summer priority for Chelsea

Nico Williams is fast becoming one of the most sought-after players in European football. After an outstanding season with Athletic Club and a starring role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph, the 22-year-old has drawn admiring glances from clubs across the continent. Chelsea have now made a decisive move, according to TeamTalk, informing Williams’ representatives that they are ready to meet his €58million (£49m) release clause.

Williams’ stock has risen sharply following his 11 goals and seven assists in 45 appearances this season, capped by a memorable goal in the Euro 2024 final against England. Long admired by Barcelona, it appears the Catalans have shifted their focus elsewhere, looking at Marcus Rashford and Kingsley Coman. That pivot has given Chelsea a clear window of opportunity.

Enzo Maresca is believed to be a big admirer of Williams, and the player’s profile fits the Blues’ recent strategy of investing in high-ceiling talent. With Liam Delap secured to bolster the attack centrally, Chelsea are now prioritising a right-footed left winger, and Williams fits that need perfectly.

Wage expectations present a stumbling block

While Chelsea are ready to pay the release clause in one instalment — an increasingly rare move in the modern transfer market — there remains a significant obstacle. Williams is reportedly demanding a weekly wage in the region of £400,000. That figure dwarfs Chelsea’s current wage structure, especially under the new regime that has sought to trim excessive salaries.

At Athletic Club, where the policy of recruiting only Basque-born players limits transfer activity, key players can command high wages. Williams currently earns around £171,000 per week, a figure Chelsea may already consider inflated for a player moving into the Premier League.

TeamTalk reports that “Chelsea must agree wages with Nico Williams” if this deal is to reach the finishing line. One source quoted claims that although Chelsea admire Williams’ potential, “there is little chance of Chelsea paying him even more” than the £300,000 per week they refused to offer Jadon Sancho.

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Arsenal remain interested but trail Chelsea in talks

Chelsea are not alone in their admiration. Arsenal have also reportedly held discussions regarding Williams, and the Gunners’ recent activity in the transfer market suggests they could be a serious threat. However, Chelsea are said to be in a stronger position currently, having already met with Williams’ representatives and signalled their intent to meet the release clause.

It is clear the Blues want to move quickly, and with six targets on their summer shortlist, they are hoping to avoid lengthy negotiations that might open the door to other clubs. As the report notes, “Chelsea informed the player’s agents that they are ready to activate his €58million (£49m) exit clause, which is considered a bargain in the industry.”

Enzo Maresca’s influence is becoming more visible with each decision. The Italian coach, recently appointed at Stamford Bridge, is reportedly involved in all key recruitment plans. While he has already welcomed Delap to the squad, his desire to secure an elite-level winger shows ambition and intent.

Sources close to the club suggest that Williams is seen as a pivotal addition, a player who could stretch defences and add a direct threat from wide areas. If Chelsea can meet him halfway on personal terms, this could be one of the most impactful deals of the window.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Chelsea supporter’s viewpoint, this potential transfer strikes the right chord. Nico Williams ticks several boxes — young, dynamic, proven at the international level and already excelling in La Liga. His performance at Euro 2024, especially the goal in the final, proves he is more than just a promising talent. He is ready for the spotlight.

However, the wage demands are eye-watering. While fans would love to see him in blue, a weekly salary of £400,000 is simply unrealistic under the new financial structure. Chelsea’s work over the past two years has focused on reducing the wage bill, signing younger players on lower salaries to avoid the pitfalls of past spending sprees.

There is hope, though, that compromise can be reached. If Williams is genuinely interested in taking the next step in his career and testing himself in the Premier League, Chelsea should be able to offer him competitive terms, if not at the level he initially seeks. Most supporters would welcome him with open arms, but not at the cost of undoing the financial discipline that has slowly been restored at Stamford Bridge.

A deal at £49 million looks like smart business, but only if the wages reflect Chelsea’s long-term sustainability.