It looks like Chelsea will have to watch another one of their targets join Barcelona.
Back in the 2022 summer transfer window, Chelsea did battle with Barcelona over Raphinha and Jules Kounde.
They lost on both occasions, with Raphinha and Kounde preferring moves to the Spotify Camp Nou over Stamford Bridge.
History now looks like it is going to repeat itself.
The two European giants have already crossed paths during this transfer window, with Chelsea signing Marc Guiu from Barcelona. It has been claimed that Chelsea could now loan Guiu to Sevilla.
Nico Williams of Spain (R2) celebrates with teammates Fabian Ruiz, Mikel Oyarzabal and Dani Olmo after scoring his team's third goal during the UEF...
Chelsea target set for Barcelona move
The winger who Chelsea really wanted was Michael Olise, who left Crystal Palace for Bayern Munich last Sunday.
According to The Athletic, the Blues had to pull out of a deal because of the finances involved.
After that, it was claimed that Chelsea were prioritising signing Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao.
However, talk about them bringing him in went cold and it now looks like he will be joining Barcelona instead.
As per Sport, Barcelona have agreed personal terms with Williams ahead of a potential move to Hansi Flick’s side this summer.
Chelsea fans will not get to see Nico Williams and Marc Cucurella left flank at Stamford Bridge
Spain have managed to reach the Euro 2024 final, and the success that they are having at the tournament has been partly down to Williams and Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella.
The two have given Luis de la Fuente’s side such a strong left flank, with Williams thriving in attack and Cucurella excelling in defence.
According to WhoScored, the former is completing 2.4 dribbles per game, the second-highest average in his squad, while the latter has the same average for tackles, which can only be topped by Manchester City’s Rodri (2.6).
It is a shame that Chelsea fans will not get to see that combination this upcoming season.
A report from TEAMtalk claims that Williams has a €58m (£49m) release clause in his contract. It is a deal that Barcelona can certainly be happy with if they can get it done.
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