After fresh negotiations, Chelsea is prepared to pay the release clause of an elite star.

According to reports, Chelsea has told Nico Williams' representation that they are happy to pay his release clause at Athletic Club; nevertheless, there is still one more obstacle to be cleared before the transfer can proceed. 

After playing a crucial part in Spain's win at Euro 2024—even scoring the first goal in the final against England—Williams became a globally recognised celebrity. 

The winger was heavily linked to Barcelona last summer, but the deal ultimately fell through.

Williams remained with Athletic Club, where he has made 45 appearances this season, tallying 11 goals and seven assists. 

Williams, one of La Liga's most formidable attackers, is considering leaving Bilbao to try his hand at a larger team. 

Barca is now focussing on other wingers, such Kingsley Coman of Bayern Munich and Marcus Rashford of Manchester United.

Premier League teams like Chelsea and Arsenal are now able to negotiate for Williams as a result of this.

Over the weekend, Blues executives met with Williams' entourage, according to Chelsea writer Simon Phillips. 

Chelsea notified the player's representatives that they were prepared to exercise his €58 million (£49 million or $66 million) departure clause, which is seen as a steal in the market. 

Chelsea has not been deterred by the requirement that the €58 million sum be paid in one installment.

Williams' pay demands are currently the primary concern. Athletic Club is able to pay their first team players high fees because they only produce or recruit players that are Basque-born.

Chelsea and Nico Williams need to agree on wages.

According to reports, Williams makes almost £171,000 per week. Interest clubs have reportedly been informed by the 22-year-old's agents that he expects to earn up to £400k a week when he joins a new team. 

If a move to Stamford Bridge is to be finalised, there will need to be some serious talks with Chelsea. 

Jadon Sancho was not paid £300k per week by Enzo Maresca's team. 

Williams' upside is bigger than Sancho's, but Chelsea is unlikely to pay him even more.

In recent years, the Blues have signed younger players in an effort to reduce their salary expenditure.

It is obvious that they and Williams must reach an agreement if he is to join in time for the upcoming season.

With the signing of striker Liam Delap, Chelsea has reportedly made a right-footed left winger their "priority.

Along with players from Manchester United and the German Bundesliga, Williams is on Chelsea's shortlist. 

Williams is one of Chelsea's six intriguing summer targets, according to sources who spoke to Thesportmoment.

Although Chelsea is now in a better position to get him, Arsenal has also held talks for the Euro and Copa del Rey champion.