Report: Aston Villa now hopeful of beating Chelsea to £43m player's signature this summer

Chelsea will have to see off competition from Premier League rivals Aston Villa to sign one attacker this summer.

Mauricio Pochettino has options in the wide area.

Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke can both play on the right and have done really well there of late. The former recently bagged a hat-trick against Manchester United before the latter scored an excellent goal versus Sheffield United a few days later.

On the left, Pochettino has Raheem Sterling and Mykhailo Mudryk, while Nicolas Jackson has also played there a few times this season.

Nevertheless, it looks like Chelsea could still try and strengthen their attack when the transfer window opens.

Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images

Aston Villa hoping to win race for Chelsea target

Villa are having a great season, a much better one than Chelsea. Unai Emery’s men are outside the top four on goal difference, while Pochettino’s side are ninth in the table.

The Spaniard will want to build on the success that he has had this term by strengthening his team in the summer.

According to GiveMeSport, Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams could be one arrival at Villa Park in the next transfer window.

The outlet claims that Villa are hopeful of winning the race for the winger’s signature ahead of Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal.

One journalist previously claimed that Chelsea were at the front of the queue to sign Williams.

As per the Daily Mirror, he has a £43m release clause in his contract.

Why Aston Villa and Chelsea both want Nico Williams

Williams has had quite a productive season, helping Athletic to win the Copa del Rey last Saturday.

He impressed throughout the whole tournament, scoring three goals and providing five assists in six games.

Over the last year, the Spain international has also ranked in the 94th percentile for progressive carries and the 94th for successful take-ons among attacking midfielders and wingers (FBref).

He has become a real attacking threat who could bring a lot to either club.