Chelsea ready to match Barcelona key target’s €58m release clause, offer to triple his wages

Nico Williams is the talk of the town in Barcelona this summer, with the Catalan giants eager to secure his signing from Athletic Club in the ongoing transfer window.

The 21-year-old has been in terrific form for club and country and is leading Spain’s charge at the UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany.

Nico’s performances have led to a significant rise in interest from other clubs as well, with Chelsea emerging as one of his strongest suitors, apart from Barcelona.

Chelsea ready to activate Williams’ €58 million release clause

Not so long ago, it was reported that Chelsea were unwilling to meet Nico Williams’ release clause, which stands at €58 million as they deemed the cost of the operation to be too high, when factoring in his wages and taxes.

However, now, AS reports that Chelsea have seemingly changed their stance as far as their pursuit of the Spanish international goes.

Indeed, the Premier League giants are now said to be willing to trigger Nico’s €58 million to beat Barcelona as well as Arsenal to his capture this summer.

Furthermore, the report adds that Chelsea would be ready to offer the speedy winger a lucrative contract worth €15 million per year, which would be three times what he currently earns at Athletic Club.

Barcelona under pressure

This development puts Barcelona in a difficult position with regard to their pursuit of Nico Williams.

Club president Joan Laporta sees the 21-year-old as a ‘dream target’ but the Catalans do not have the financial muscle to pull off the deal at this point.

As such, Barça must complete a big sale before contemplating a move for the young Spaniard. But with clubs like Chelsea and Arsenal ready to throw the money at his signing, the Blaugrana are under pressure to act swiftly.