Chelsea are prepared to make an €80million offer for Athletic Club winger Nico Williams next year, according to Spanish outlet Fichajes. The 24-year-old Spain international is also on the radar of Arsenal and Manchester United, who are reportedly willing to spend heavily too. However, Williams is believed to have a €90million release clause, so Chelsea’s valuation sits only slightly below his buy-out fee.
Four Premier League clubs are tracking AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit, with Liverpool, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace all reportedly sending scouts to watch the Dutchman in action this week.
According to TEAMtalk, representatives from all four sides were at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday, where AZ lost 1-0 to Sunderland courtesy of a late Enzo Le Fée penalty. Smit started and impressed once again despite the defeat.
Chelsea have made their position clear on Estevao Willian’s future, insisting the Brazilian forward is not for sale regardless of interest from elsewhere in the Premier League.
Reports in Brazil suggested the 19-year-old could push for a January move away from Stamford Bridge if his lack of game time under Xabi Alonso continues. However, senior figures at the club have moved to shut down that narrative, branding him untouchable and reaffirming his place at the heart of their long-term project.
Chelsea have entered the race to sign highly-rated Atlético Madrid defender Jorge Domínguez, a player already being tracked by Premier League rivals Arsenal, according to TEAMtalk.
The 16-year-old rose through the Atlético academy before breaking into Diego Simeone’s senior squad this pre-season, having already featured for the club’s B team back in April. His rapid rise has caught the eye of some of Europe’s biggest clubs, and reports suggest he is now firmly on Chelsea’s radar as they continue searching for elite young talent.
Chelsea’s midfield options have been stretched since Enzo Fernández departed for Manchester City late in the summer window, a blow compounded when their pursuit of Monaco’s Lamine Camara fell through on Deadline Day.
Just three games into the new campaign, Xabi Alonso’s side have already looked vulnerable on the counter, with opponents finding gaps in the middle of the park all too easily. Matters worsened further when Moisés Caicedo picked up an injury last week, leaving the Blues short on reliable bodies.