Chelsea are ready to break their wage structure to beat Arsenal and Barcelona to a major signing this summer, it has been reported.
The Blues had a quiet winter transfer window in terms of incomings, having completed the majority of their business in the summer.
French midfielder Mathis Amougou was the only arrival, with the 19-year-old signing from Ligue 1 side Saint-Etienne.
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The focus was instead on outgoings, with six players leaving on loan deals - including Ben Chilwell, Joao Felix and Axel Disasi.
Cesare Casadei also left the club on a permanent deal, joining Serie A side Torino for a reported £12.5 million.
The departures of Felix, Disasi and Chilwell - if they are not registered for the 2025/26 season upon their return to Stamford Bridge - can give the Blues more room to manoeuvre when it comes to summer signings.
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And according to reports in Spain (via Football365), Chelsea are ready to offer a bumper deal to one of the top stars in world football.
It is claimed that they are willing to offer Athletic Bilbao and Spain star Nico Williams a contract worth over £300,000-per-week to join the club in the summer.
The Blues have had injury issues in forward areas this season, and while their major problem is in the central striking areas, Spain winger Williams could still add more firepower up front.
The 22-year-old was one of his country's best players as they won Euro 2024 last year, and attracted keen interest from Barcelona.
However, Les Cules spent £60 million to sign Dani Olmo from RB Leipzig, and Spanish media reported that their financial issues meant a deal for Williams could not proceed.
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TEAMtalk, meanwhile, claim that Williams is set to depart Bilbao this summer and that Chelsea are willing to pay his £49 million release clause to trigger that exit.
The Spaniard has also been linked with a move to Arsenal, who are keen to recruit extra depth in forward areas.
Topics: Chelsea, Transfers, Premier League, Football
Ryan Smart