Nico Williams to Chelsea transfer confusion emerges after £45m decision as surprise talks held

Chelsea are averaging one confirmed transfer per week of the summer window so far. With around 10 to go before the end of August deadline, it shouldn't be put past them to keep this rate up for a while longer.

Enzo Maresca's squad promises to be enhanced dramatically in the coming two-and-a-half months, although there are questions over who may be sold. With Tosin Adarabioyo (free) and Estevao Willian (significantly more than free) already over the line - although the latter will not join until next year - the pace has been set.

There is promise for much more as well. Benjamin Sesko and Michael Olise have already been pursued before becoming unavailable for different reasons. Samu Omorodion and Jhon Duran are both known striker targets too.

Here, though, football.london has the latest on those doing the rounds.

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Nico Williams confusion

Chelsea have been admirers of Nico Williams for a while, football.london understands, but Michael Olise was evidently the priority target this summer. With the collapse of his move to Stamford Bridge, Williams has now entered the chat.

However, there are contrasting reports over where Chelsea stand in relation to the Spaniard. Fabrizio Romano claims that the package includes a release clause of around £45 million and some seriously big wages - suggestions of over £200,000 per week - that would price the Blues out of a deal.

But in Italy, Gianluca Di Marzio writes that Chelsea have already informed Athletic Bilbao of their intention to pay the clause. So what of it?

football.london says: Clearly there's interest on Chelsea's side, and with reports that the club will turn their attention to the left wing rather than pursue Olise alternatives on the right, this one would make sense if the finances were right.

There is little doubt over Williams' ability, and there is a reason top sides are eyeing him up. Despite only scoring five times in the league last season, the Spain left-winger registered 13 assists. As one of the quickest players around, it's certainly an exciting prospect for Blues fans.

Jonathan David talks

If there is uncertainty around Williams then there is no such murk with Jonathan David. Chelsea have held talks with his representatives, football.london understands, and are seriously considering him as a possible new striker this summer.

David has just 12 months left on his contract at Lille and club president Olivier Letang has already opened up on the fact that an exit is likely. Some have even gone as far as to claim that £25milllion will be enough to get the Canadian despite his impressive displays in Ligue 1 since his arrival in 2020.

The 24-year-old has also been linked with a move to Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester United. He has been a target for Premier League teams for years such is his goal return in France.

football.london says: David appears to be an ideal option for Chelsea. The issue is that his profile difference to the other strikers is quite jarring.

He is smaller and slower than Jhon Duran or Benjamin Sesko, doesn't have much in common with Dominic Solanke, and hasn't been one of the big names in the conversation so far. But in isolation he does have plenty to offer.

David is cheaper than most, which is a boost, and has room to improve even if there are doubts over just what sort of player he could become. Good at many things but master of not much, he is a clinical finisher and links well in space, but a lack of pace or flair could cause issues for some.

Understated does not mean bad. David may not be a signing to get people buzzing with excitement, but it may well be a good piece of business nonetheless.