Chelsea 'identify Nico Williams as potential summer target'

Chelsea allegedly hold an interest in signing Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams in the summer.

The Blues invested heavily in the final third prior to the 2023-24 campaign, bringing in the likes of Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku.

While Jackson has grown into the role and contributed eight goals and three assists from his 23 Premier League appearances, Nkunku has made just two starts and spend much of the season on the sidelines.

With Armando Broja available for transfer, significant changes are expected to be made to Chelsea's forward line when business reopens at the end of the season.

According to The Telegraph, the club's recruitment team are taking an interest in Athletic Bilbao attacker Williams.

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The 21-year-old has been deployed on either flank throughout the campaign, contributing three goals and six assists from 22 outings in La Liga.

Furthermore, the Spain international has chipped in with three goals during his team's run to the Copa del Rey final, netting against each of Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

Having only extended his contract as recently as December, Williams is tied to Athletic Bilbao until 2027, keeping the Champions-League chasing side in a strong position.

However, there is said to be a £43m release clause present in his deal, a figure that may be a realistic ask of Chelsea if they can raise funds through player sales.

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Co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital are currently hoping that suitable offers arrive for the likes of Ian Maatsen, Trevoh Chalobah and Broja, while Conor Gallagher's future remains up in the air.

The acquisition of Williams would also throw the future of Chelsea's inconsistent wingers into doubt, yet the report stresses that no consideration is currently being given to parting ways with the likes of Raheem Sterling or Mykhaylo Mudryk.

Aside from the efforts of Cole Palmer, the remainder of Chelsea's creative players have generally been disappointing, with Sterling, Mudryk and Noni Madueke having posted just 11 strikes and five assists between them in the Premier League.

Jackson has also occasionally been used on the left flank to positive effect, although the Senegal international is generally regarded as one of Chelsea's central options.