£170k-a-week forward set for imminent Chelsea transfer decision after talks

Chelsea have held talks with the representatives of a highly-rated forward, and he’s set to decide whether he’ll join them or another suitor pretty soon.

Chelsea scour market for new attackers ahead of Club World Cup

A special edition transfer window, open from June 1 to June 10, hands Blues boss Enzo Maresca an opportunity to recommend squad upgrades to the Stamford Bridge hierarchy before their Club World Cup campaign kicks off.

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Once-£137m forward holds talks over signing for Chelsea from elite club

His representatives have been in touch with the west Londoners.

While the full focus remains on Chelsea’s mission to qualify for the Champions League next season, amidst a hotly-contested top five race, the CWC is also seen as fairly crucial when factoring in the potential prize money on offer.

Winners of this year’s tournament could take home up to £97 million, according to official figures, and BlueCo will be fully aware of this as they seek to reinvest a chunk of this possible windfall into the squad whilst erring on the cautionary side of PSR.

They’ll want to give themselves the best chance of performing well at the CWC, leading to some reports that Chelsea wish to seal deals for key targets like Dean Huijsen “as soon as possible”.

As well as the Spaniard, Chelsea are said to have their eyes on his international teammate – Athletic Bilbao starlet Nico Williams.

The £170,000-per-week forward’s £49 million release clause has garnered attention from Europe’s elite, following an exceptional last two seasons at Bilbao, and Chelsea are believed to be among the contenders for Williams’ signature as they pursue new wide options.

Nico Williams set for Chelsea transfer decision after talks

According to The Boot Room and journalist Graeme Bailey, Chelsea are joined by Arsenal, Liverpool, Man City and Newcastle United as part of the five teams to have held talks with the 22-year-old’s camp recently.

The competition for his signature is ferocious, and Williams remains unsure over his next destination, despite those close to him insisting that a switch to England is on the cards.

Bailey reports that Williams is set to make a decision over potentially joining Chelsea, or any other interested club, once Bilbao’s final position in the table is confirmed – which will be pretty soon considering there are just three La Liga games remaining of the 24/25 season.

Bilbao are involved in a tight race for Champions League qualification themselves, and Williams is fully focused on that before deciding his next destination. It is worth noting that, if Bilbao do find themselves in the draw next year, there is a “real chance” he could even remain in Spain.

That would be horrible news for Chelsea, especially considering what he’d give Maresca in terms of sheer quality.

“Williams, for me, is exceptional,” said Wayne Rooney about Williams.

“He reminds me of Cristiano Ronaldo when Cristiano was young. He’s a big lad, he’ll take the ball and sometimes tries too much but usually makes the right decisions.”