Chelsea are now having serious reservations when it comes to one of their transfer targets this summer.
The Blues only need to look around to see the countless mistakes they’ve made in the transfer market under these owners in the last couple of years, so let’s hope the strategy moving forward is a more cautious and thought-out one.
We think fans may be intrigued and pleased to hear that Mauricio Pochettino’s side are having doubts about a potential target for financial reasons.
Chelsea linked with £43m attacker
90min claims that Chelsea and Aston Villa are two Premier League sides that have been monitoring Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams.
It is explained that the Spanish attacker has a release clause in his deal with the La Liga club worth €50m (£43m).
The report says that both Chelsea and Villa have been put off moves for the 21-year-old talent, though.
Apparently, Williams’ wage demands are a major turn off for the English suitors. The left-winger’s already on a hefty €200,000-a-week (£172,000-a-week) salary in Bilbao and would expect a pay increase if he moves clubs.
90min’s report adds that Chelsea and Villa are unlikely to firm up their respective interest, especially because the Blues already stacked with forward options in the wide areas of the pitch.
SportLens claimed a couple of months ago that Chelsea viewed Williams as an ideal replacement for Blues winger Raheem Sterling. It looks like the Athletic speedster has priced himself out of a move to west London, though.
Blues don’t need Nico Williams
Yes, Williams is a very exciting talent on the rise. The youngster’s been on fire this campaign, scoring seven goals and making 16 assists in 34 matches for his club side. He’s already got 13 senior caps for Spain, too.
Described as “exceptional” by Xavi in January (TotalBarca), Williams has a massive future ahead.
However, Chelsea have already invested in plenty of talent in the wide positions.
Let’s see how the likes of Noni Madueke and Mykhailo Mudryk develop before adding even more options. One Chelsea winger we’re particularly intrigued about is Omari Hutchinson, who’s just enjoyed a fabulous season-long loan in the Championship with promotion winners Ipswich Town.