The latest Chelsea transfer news and rumours as Nico Williams is now due to decide on his future amid interest from Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain this summer
Nico Williams wearing a dark blue Athletic Club shirt
Chelsea are understood to have held talks with Nico Williams' representatives this summer
Chelsea are stepping up preparations for the new season with Enzo Maresca's side set to face Brendan Rodgers' Celtic in the second friendly of their pre-season tour of the USA on Saturday.
The match, set to kick-off at 9pm UK time (4pm local time) at the Notre Dame Stadium in Indiana, will provide the new Blues boss with another chance to learn about his squad ahead of the Premier League campaign getting underway against Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on August 18.
Maresca no doubt already has some idea of the improvements he still wants to make to his squad ahead of the season opener, with the Blues continuing to be linked with several potential transfer targets. While strengthening on the wings is thought to be one of the priorities, any incoming may need to be offset by departures as the Blues continue to walk a fine line as they balance the books to comply with Premier League Profit and Sustainability rules.
With all of that in mind, football.london has taken a look at the latest headlines which might affect Chelsea as they continue to get set for the season ahead.
Nico Williams update
Chelsea seem set to miss out on signing Nico Williams this summer as the player is poised to decide his future.
Williams, 22, has been the subject of interest from the Blues. football.london understands that the club held talks with the player's representatives this summer.
Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United were all credited with an interest in Williams as well, but it now appears the winger will not be moving to the Premier League after all. Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain are seemingly the only two clubs he is considering. Staying at Athletic Club is also said to be an option.
Barcelona-based sports newspaper Sport reports that a decision from Williams is imminent. They claim PSG's offer is the more lucrative, while the Catalan club hopes they have done enough to convince him to choose them.
football.london says:Missing out on Williams will undoubtedly be a blow, especially after engaging in talks with the player's representatives earlier in the summer. However, his wage demands were too high despite the club's admiration of the player, which stopped them from following their initial interest.
Madueke on the move?
Meanwhile, another winger said to be on the move is Noni Madueke. Football Insider claims Newcastle United have agreed personal terms with the winger. They also reported a week ago that the North East club had contacted Chelsea to assess the availability of Madueke, with the Blues wanting at least more than the £28.5 million they paid PSV Eindhoven for the player 18 months ago.
football.londonsays:With the Blues wanting a new right winger this summer, it is no surprise that there is speculation about Madueke's future. But after an impressive end to last season, cashing in at this stage should not be considered unless they stand to make a significant profit on the fee paid to PSV.
Maresca is said to be a fan of the young winger, who deserves to be given a chance to impress his new manager this season.
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