Chelsea shift focus to Barcelona target after missing out on Michael Olise: Reports
Chelsea are allegedly keen to provide competition to Barcelona in the race to sign Athletic Club star Nico Williams after missing out on Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise's signature.
Earlier this week, Olise reportedly agreed to join Bayern Munich, rejecting the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United. The 22-year-old forward was never interested in joining the Blues as he is hoping to participate in the UEFA Champions League, as per The Standard.
Now, according to reputed journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Chelsea have joined the race to sign Williams, who has been a transfer target for Barcelona for a long time. They could hold the advantage over Barcelona in the race owing to their financial superiority this summer.
Williams, 21, has established himself as one of the most exciting wingers in the La Liga over the past few campaigns. He helped his club qualify for the UEFA Europa League after guiding them to fifth spot in the league table and lift the Copa del Rey glory last season.
A right-footed inverted winger blessed with pace, dribbling, and an eye for a pass, Williams registered five goals and 14 assists in 31 league outings last season. He scored three goals and provided five assists in six Copa del Rey games, including an assist in the final.
Should the 16-cap Spain international rebuff Barcelona to join Chelsea, he would emerge as a key first-team starter for them. He would likely push out-of-form star Mykhailo Mudryk down the club's pecking order.
Olise, on the other hand, is allegedly set to cost Bayern £60 million, a fee deemed too steep by Manchester United and Manchester City. He registered 10 goals and six assists in just 19 Premier League appearances for Oliver Glasner's side in the 2023-24 campaign.
Chelsea eyeing move for Barcelona striker
Taking to X, Spanish journalist Guillem Balague claimed that the Blues are aiming to sign Barcelona teenager Marc Guiu in the future. He wrote:
"Chelsea have asked about 18-year-old Marc Guiu, the young FCB striker who had such an impressive start of his career with the first team. He only cost £5 million and are considering signing him! Great investment, cannot go wrong as his value will increase."
Guiu, 18, has scored two goals in seven matches across competitions for his team since making his senior debut in the La Liga last October.
Should Guiu move to the Stamford Bridge outfit this summer, he might get loaned out to further his development with vital first-team action.