Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins on Chelsea radar this summer
Chelsea have set their sights on Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins as one of the options to bolster the attack in the ongoing transfer window, according to journalist Simon Phillips on Substack (h/t football.london).
The Blues have been linked with the England international this summer. The Stamford Bridge side are looking to acquire the services of the striker in the coming weeks.
However, it will not be easy to pull off a deal for the 27-year-old with the Lions. But the West London club are interested in him. Premier League Arsenal have also been linked with the forward over the years.
Watkins has been impressive for Villa over the years. He signed for the Lions in the summer of 2020 from Brentford. Since then, the English national has managed to consistently find the back of the net for them.
In the previous campaign, the Villans struggled under Steven Gerrard. Subsequently, Unai Emery was appointed in the Birmingham-based club’s dugout and managed to turn things around drastically.
Watkins found his shooting boots with the arrival of the Spanish manager. The 27-year-old ended the 2022/23 English top-flight campaign with 15 goals in 37 appearances.
In the ongoing transfer window, Chelsea have sold Kai Havertz. The Germany international was our joint-leading goalscorer last season, with nine goals in 47 appearances in all competitions.
We have also sold Christian Pulisic this summer to AC Milan. Although, the Blues have added Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson to their ranks. The Stamford Bridge side can also call upon Armando Broja up front.
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However, we evidently could do with more firepower in the attack. But while Watkins is a decent striker, he does not look to be the answer to our goalscoring issues. The West London club arguably need a world-class number nine at their disposal.