Chelsea dealt Olise release clause blow as transfer target makes Maresca wait

Although the summer transfer window has only just open for business, Chelsea have been working behind the scenes to get ahead of competition as they look to make additions to their squad.

Enzo Maresca is keen to put his own stamp on the squad since his arrival from Leicester City to ensure Chelsea finish in the top four next season. The Blues finished sixth in the Premier League and will compete in the Europa Conference League next season.

However, some deals may be complicated to complete given players will be involved in tournaments with both the European Championships and the Copa America set to get underway. Nonetheless, football.london has taken a look at the latest media reports and views from in and around Stamford Bridge.

Nico Williams stance

The Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams will reportedly wait until the end of the Euros to make a decision on his future. After being dealt the blow of Benjamin Sesko, Chelsea have reportedly turned their attention to the 21-year-old Spain international.

The Metro suggests that Williams could be available for just £43million this summer after having the release clause inserted in his contract back in December of last year. When quizzed about his future ahead of Spain’s Euro campaign, he told Cope radio station: “I am very happy at Athletic.

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“It is the club that has given me everything, it is the club that has bet on me 100 per cent. I am very happy in Bilbao and that is what I have to say. I have it quite clear.

“Athletic is my home, I am very happy and what I want to do is focus on the Euros, which is very important because if you are not 100 per cent in a competition like this, it will pass you by and the rest, I do not know what is going to happen.

“I have told my representatives that I do not want to know anything until the Euros is over. I am 100 per cent focused and my desire is to win the Euros.”

football.london says: Following Sesko’s decision to stay at RB Leipzig this summer, it is important that Chelsea look for other attacking reinforcements. Williams seems to fit that bill and is available for a lesser fee than what Leipzig were demanding for Sesko. However, given Arsenal were also left without the Slovenia international, the Blues face stiff competition from their rivals, with Mikel Arteta’s side alert to Williams’ situation.

Michael Olise release clause details emerge

The Blues have stepped up their attempts to sign Crystal Palace sensation Michael Olise amid competition from the Premier League. The Frenchman is likely to depart Selhurst Park this summer and Bayern Munich are also keeping tabs on the situation.

According to the Telegraph, his release clause of £60m can only be triggered by Champions League clubs, though Chelsea remain confident they will not have to pay more for Olise than a Champions League club to get a deal over the line. Chelsea also do not believe that failing to qualify for the Champions League will mean they will have to pay a premium price for the 22-year-old as this information ‘has never been confirmed.’

The report adds that they would be willing to offer players in exchange as part of a bid to secure his signing. The Blues are reported to be the current favourites to sign Olise.

football.london says: Olise is the man of the moment and any club that gets the deal over the line will be fortunate to have him in their squad. However, it is far from being an easy deal to complete with a number of clubs credited with an interest. Offering players could be an attractive appeal for Palace and trying to convince Olise to agree to personal terms will see Chelsea fight off some competition, but don’t expect it to be a straight forward situation.