Chelsea react to Michael Olise transfer blow by planning to pay Spain’s UEFA Euro 2024 star’s £46.5m clause

Chelsea have missed out on Michael Olise’s signing from Crystal Palace as Bayern Munich have snapped up on the speedy Premier League winger with only an official announcement pending regarding his transfer.

Metro have claimed that the Blues are prepared to retort to missing out on the 21-year-old by paying the £46.5 million release clause for Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams this summer with Enzo Maresca particularly keen on his signing.

The inbound manager wants to add competition for his existing wingers by signing Williams, who had an impressive La Liga campaign last season and carried his superb run of form into Euro 2024 for the Spanish national side too.

The 21-year-old is the epitome of a vintage winger, capable of skipping past defenders with an exceptional dribbling ability and an eye for goal, backed up by his eight goals and 19 assists for Athletic Bilbao in all competitions last season.

Williams’ highlight at the European Championship was a brilliant display against Italy in the group stage. His endless probing from the left flank eventually paid off for Spain through an own goal by Riccardo Calafiori, which gave them an important 1-0 win.

He would be a brilliant signing for Chelsea for a very reasonable transfer fee. Williams also has a long career ahead of him and if he excels in West London, his signing would be a well-justified investment.

The Blues, however, will need to see off competition from Paris Saint-Germain, who will fancy their chances of wrapping up the Spanish international’s transfer with a bumper salary and the opportunity to succeed Kylian Mbappe in the French capital.