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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Alex Young

Nico Williams: Why Chelsea have edge in transfer battle with Tottenham for Spain star

Chelsea have the edge over any rivals for Nico Williams' signature this summer in the form of Marc Cucurella.

Athletic Bilbao star Williams is lighting up Euro 2024 with his performances for Spain, prompting fierce transfer speculation over his future.

Williams reportedly has a release clause of between £45-50million, and most of Europe appear to be interested - including Chelsea, Tottenham and Barcelona.

But the Blues have an ace up their sleeve with Cucurella revealing he has been in his Spain team-mates' ear about moving to Stamford Bridge.

Nico William has been one of the stars of Euro 2024 (AFP via Getty Images)

"He would be a great signing (for Barcelona), but it all depends on what he wants," the full-back told Sport.

"I’ve been telling him to sign for Chelsea. In the end everything depends on him, he is very young, with a lot of experience. I think he will be a great player."

Cucurella also spoke highly of Lamine Yamal, the 16-year-old Barcelona wonderkid also making his mark on the biggest stage this summer.

He added: "It’s amazing with his age, how he moves, the decisions he makes… The best thing about him is that it never repeats the same play, he’s unpredictable. For me and for any defence, it is very difficult to stop him."

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