Chelsea is monitoring Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams as the club begins to formulate its summer transfer window strategy.

Despite the fact that Chelsea will prioritize an out-and-out striker, with Victor Osimhen and Benjamin Sesko among their top targets, Williams’ development has impressed the club.

A transfer for Williams may be contingent on Chelsea’s ability to generate funds through the sale of players, considering the striker’s exоrbitant cost.

A release clause in his contract with Bilbao is estimated to be worth approximately £43 million, which is comparatively inexpensive. However, it has been reported that his salaries are quite high.

Williams is reportedly worth well in excess of £100,000 per week after taxes in Spain, placing him among the highest-paid players at Chelsea.

A transfer for Williams would also cast doubt on Raheem Sterling and, potentially, Mykhailo Mudryk’s long-term prospects.

Williams, who can play on either flank, frequently begins on the left, where both Sterling and Mudryk play most frequently. However, head coach Mauricio Pochettino recently deployed the Ukrainian as a No 10.

There is no indication that Chelsea intends to trade Sterling or Mudryk this summer, and both players maintain their allegiance to the club.

Saudi Arabia made an approach for Sterling last summer, and the country could potentially receive another offer this year. Last year, he displayed no interest in the relocation, and there is currently no indication that he would change his mind about it.

According to Telegraph Sport, Chelsea’s adversaries assert that the club must secure a minimum of £100 million in funding by June 30 in order to ensure adherence to profitability and sustainability regulations. Chelsea disputes this assertion.

In addition to signing a new contract in December of last year, Williams is having an outstanding campaign for Bilbao, a club that has attracted numerous clubs, including Arsenal.

However, it is not anticipated that the release clause of his new contract will prevent clubs from making bids for him this summer.