Real Madrid have been linked with some of the most highly-rated youngsters in world football in recent times. It makes all the sense in the world when you consider their track record of developing wonderkids into bonafide superstars lately. But it looks like one of their rumoured targets is on the radar of clubs like Chelsea and Arsenal as well.
Despite being just 21 years of age, Nico Williams can already be considered one of the best players in Spanish football today. He has continued his upward trajectory at Athletic Bilbao. According to stats from Transfermarkt, he has scored 5 goals and provided 10 assists in 24 appearances this season so far.
Real Madrid were being heavily linked with a move for Williams not too long ago. But he has gone on to pen a contract extension with Athletic Bilbao since then, which runs until the summer of 2027.
There is believed to be a €50 million release clause in Williams' contract though. And it looks like Premier League clubs are keeping a close eye on his development.
Fabrizio Romano confirms Chelsea interest in €50m Real Madrid target
While speaking to CaughtOffside for his Daily Briefing column, Fabrizio Romano:
"Arsenal have also sent their scouts to follow Nico Williams of Athletic Bilbao multiple times, and it’s the same for Chelsea as they included him in the list last summer.
“The race is completely open, and nothing is advanced with either club so far. He’d be great in the Premier League in my opinion – a physical and technical player; very good one."
Williams is a fantastic talent without a doubt. He is already a regular in the Spain national team picture as well.
That being said, it is hard to see where he would fit in at Real Madrid right now. The club already have players like Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Brahim Diaz and Arda Guler.
He could be a much better fit for a club like Chelsea, who have been struggling to find their best for a long time now. Mykhailo Mudryk's time at Stamford Bridge might be running out, as he has failed to meet expectations since his move from Shakhtar Donetsk. On the other hand, Raheem Sterling and Noni Madueke have been pretty inconsistent as well.