Manchester United and Chelsea are leading the race to sign Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, with both clubs having reportedly inquired about the 23-year-old’s availability ahead of the summer window. According to reports from Spain via Teamtalk, United have begun mobilising their financial resources to finalise an €80 million (£68.8 million) move, while Chelsea allegedly tested the waters with a €70 million offer in late 2025 as first reported by Fichajes. Although the Spanish international possesses a €100 million release clause, Bilbao may consider bids starting at €80 million despite Williams being under contract until 2035.
The battle for Bilbao’s creative engine
Williams has become a primary target for Premier League recruiters following his consistent output in La Liga and a high-profile turn for Spain. Athletic Bilbao’s leverage remains exceptionally high; the winger’s unprecedented contract length through 2035 protects his market value, ensuring the Basque club can hold firm on their valuation. Manchester United's reported €80 million proposal is designed to bypass competition from Arsenal and Tottenham, who have both maintained interest in the wide man. This bid would represent a significant investment, sitting just below the £72 million United paid for Rasmus Højlund in 2023, reflecting a continued commitment to high-cost attacking reinforcements under the INEOS sporting structure.
Squad dynamics and tactical necessity
The pursuit of Williams highlights diverging squad needs at Stamford Bridge and Old Trafford. For Manchester United, the requirement is for a settled, explosive presence on the flanks to bring balance to an attack that has struggled for consistency. Conversely, Chelsea’s interest persists despite a saturated department of wide players, including the impending arrivals of Estevao and Geovany Quenda. The London club’s pivot toward established La Liga talent follows a pattern of recent interest in Spanish technicians like Dani Olmo and Yeremy Pino. Integrating Williams would provide a different tactical profile to the Blues’ younger prospects, offering immediate European pedigree to a squad that has seen significant turnover, including the recent departure of Alejandro Garnacho to Chelsea themselves.
Negotiations are expected to intensify as the summer transfer window approaches, with the player's preference between London and Manchester yet to be formalised.