Chelsea priced out of move for La Liga striker

Chelsea are once again likely to be among the busiest Premier League clubs during this summer’s transfer window. 

The Blues have spent huge amounts on new signings since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital purchased the club in the summer of 2022, splashing out in excess of £1 billion on transfer fees in the time since.

The recent January transfer window was unusually quiet at Stamford Bridge, but Boehly and co. are likely to be active in the market this summer.

Chelsea may have to sell players before they can buy new players, though, in order to avoid breaching the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules.

With that in mind, it appears that the Blues have been priced out of a move for a La Liga star.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are currently unwilling to meet Athletic Bilbao’s valuation of forward Nico Williams.

Williams is a target for Chelsea this summer

The Blues are interested in the Spaniard, who is currently on international duty at Euro 2024, but Bilbao are demanding that the player’s release clause is paid up front.

Romano claims that Bilbao are demanding that the main part of Williams’ £49 million release clause is paid up front, which has deterred the Blues’ interest.

As well as Bilbao’s demands, Romano also claims that Williams’ salary expectations are too expensive for the Blues.

Williams is a product of the Spanish side’s youth academy and has scored 20 goals in 122 games at senior level, as well as providing 26 assists.

The winger was a target for Chelsea last summer too, and it appears that their interest has not gone away.

Williams is able to play in a number of attacking roles, but primarily operates on the left flank.