Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella has been playing matchmaker this summer, trying to convince his Spanish national teammate Nico Williams to join him at Stamford Bridge.
Cucurella, who impressed in the latter stages of last season and at Euro 2024, has spoken openly about his desire to reunite with the young attacker. Williams, who plays for Athletic Bilbao, has been a standout performer himself, racking up eight goals and 19 assists in all competitions last season.
"We've struck up a great understanding on the pitch for Spain," Cucurella told The Athletic. "These young players need to feel comfortable and important, so I tell Nico to just play his game and I'll have his back."
While Cucurella admits he's playfully badgering Williams daily to make the move to Chelsea, he acknowledges the attacker needs to make his own decision. "He knows he's more than welcome," Cucurella said with a laugh, "but he's young and this is a big choice."
This transfer saga has another wrinkle, with reports suggesting Barcelona are also keen on signing Williams. The Catalan giants have reportedly agreed personal terms, but haven't yet triggered his release clause.
Chelsea will be hoping Cucurella's influence and the lure of Premier League football can convince Williams to choose Stamford Bridge over Camp Nou.