Chelsea Plot £77m Nico Williams Swoop to Beat Arsenal & Man Utd

LA Premier League Editorial Team 20 Sept 2026 4 min read Source

Chelsea are plotting a swoop for Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, who has a £77m release clause. Arsenal and Man Utd also keen.

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Chelsea Plot £77m Swoop for Nico Williams to Beat Arsenal & Man Utd

Chelsea are plotting an audacious swoop to sign Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, according to Fichajes. The 24-year-old Spain international has a reported £77m release clause, and the Blues face competition from Arsenal and Manchester United for his signature.

Player: Nico Williams
Current club: Athletic Bilbao
Interested clubs: Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United
Release clause: £77m
Reported offer: £68m from Chelsea
Source: Fichajes, citing TransferFeed

Deal details

Chelsea have maintained a longstanding interest in Nico Williams, according to Fichajes. However, the winger signed a contract extension in 2025 that increased his release clause to a reported £77m. The report adds that Chelsea have made a £68m offer, although Athletic Bilbao are yet to confirm they have received any offers from the club.

Arsenal and Manchester United are also planning to launch a swoop on the attacking ace, as reported by Fichajes, citing TransferFeed. Williams stayed at Athletic Bilbao last summer despite interest in his services and has been a key player in Edin Terzic's side this season, featuring in five of the last six LaLiga games.

What happens next

Chelsea will need to decide whether to meet the £77m release clause or continue negotiating after their £68m offer. Arsenal and Manchester United are also monitoring the situation closely. Athletic Bilbao have not confirmed any offers, and Williams remains under contract. The next move could come in the January transfer window or next summer, depending on how the race develops.

Frequently asked questions

What is Nico Williams' release clause?

His release clause is reportedly £77m, according to Fichajes, following a 2025 contract extension.

How much have Chelsea offered for Nico Williams?

Chelsea have reportedly made a £68m offer, though Athletic Bilbao are yet to confirm receiving any bids.

Which clubs are interested in Nico Williams?

Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United are all planning a swoop for the winger, as reported by Fichajes.

Why Chelsea should prioritise defence over another winger

Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso has a plethora of attackers at his disposal, with the majority being wingers. However, his system does not favour traditional wingers unless they are deployed as wing-backs, as seen with Pedro Neto, or in one of the two No. 10 positions, as seen with Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers. As a result, a move for Nico Williams is not entirely a necessity at this point.

The club should instead invest the funds into bolstering their midfield and defence, which have conceded the most Premier League goals so far this season. While Williams is undoubtedly a top talent, Chelsea's priorities should lie elsewhere if they want to climb the table.

Talking points

Chelsea's defence has been leaky this season, so is spending £77m on another winger the right move?
Would Nico Williams fit Xabi Alonso's system, which doesn't favour traditional wingers?
Can Chelsea beat Arsenal and Manchester United to his signature?
Should Athletic Bilbao accept £68m or hold out for the full release clause?

What happens next

Chelsea's next move in the transfer market will be crucial. They must decide whether to increase their offer to £77m or walk away. Arsenal and Manchester United are waiting in the wings. Athletic Bilbao's stance will also be key. The situation is fluid, but Williams' future is likely to be resolved in the coming months.