Chelsea 'eye summer move for Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams'

Chelsea are reportedly considering a summer move for Spanish international Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao.

The 21-year-old is enjoying an excellent season for the LaLiga side, scoring six goals and providing 11 assists in 22 appearances across all competitions.

Mauricio Pochettino's side are looking to bolster their attacking options after another frustrating season, with the Blues currently sitting in the bottom half of the table.

Though an out-and-out striker - such as Napoli's Victor Osimhen - remains their priority, The Telegraph have reported that the Blues are also considering a move for Bilbao star Williams.

Should Chelsea make a move, then Williams has a release clause in his current contract which is worth around £43m.

It's reported that Williams currently earns over £100,000-a-week after tax in Spain, which could place him among Chelsea's highest earners if he makes the switch to Stamford Bridge.

Williams is known to play on the left flank, which has been occupied by Raheem Sterling and Mykhailo Mudryk this season.

Sterling has scored eight goals in 34 appearances this season, while Mudryk has five in 28, as the Ukrainian continues to struggle following his £88m move from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023.

Their ability to sign Williams, or a striker such as Osimhen could depend on how much they are able to raise through player sales this summer.

Chelsea are believed to be under pressure to sell players this summer in order to stay the right side of profit and sustainability rules (PSR) - though the club are adamant that isn't an issue.

Reports though previously suggested that the club's rivals believe they need to raise atleast £100m by June 30 to be sure of complying with rules.

Since Chelsea were taken over by a Todd Boehly-led consortium in May 2022, they have spent more than £1billion in the transfer market.

Williams came through Bilbao's youth academy and has gone on to make over 100 appearances for their senior side, and 11 for his country.

His contract was due to expire at the end of the season, before he signed a renewal in December taking him up until 2027.

Williams' goal contributions this season have helped Bilbao up to fifth in the LaLiga table - five points off Atletico Madrid who occupy the final Champions League spot as things stand.