Chelsea have reportedly made an approach to sign an attacker who’s viewed as an alternative option to Victor Osimhen.
The general consensus is that the Chelsea squad is currently missing a world-class centre-forward. Blues striker Nicolas Jackson may have scored his 11th and 12th goals of the season in Thursday night’s win over Djurgarden in a Conference Legue semi-final first leg, but he definitely needs some extra help in attack.
It’s been reported that Chelsea believe they can afford a big striker signing in the upcoming summer transfer window to boost them.
Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, who’s currently on a season-long loan at Galatasaray, has been frequently linked with a potential move to Stamford Bridge.
Victor Osimhen wants a huge salary at Chelsea if he’s to come to England for the first time in his career. In fairness, the 26-year-old centre-forward has been such a consistent goalscorer in recent years, including this season with 31 goals in 36 matches for Galatasaray.
Photo by Justin Setterfield - The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Photo by Justin Setterfield – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Chelsea approach Aston Villa about Ollie Watkins
According to FootballTransfers, Napoli-owned Osimhen remains at the top of Chelsea’s striker shortlist ahead of the summer.
However, the report claims that Chelsea have now approached Premier League rivals Aston Villa about a potential deal to sign Ollie Watkins from them in case they miss out on Osimhen.
It is explained that the Blues are looking at alternative options due to the fear that Osimhen’s wages price them out of a move.
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Apparently, Chelsea are prepared to meet Villa’s €70m (£60m) asking price for Watkins.
The 29-year-old England international doesn’t fit the profile of most signings under the current Blues ownership, but supporters are crying out for a bit more leadership in the dressing room.
It was reported back in September 2024 that Chelsea were monitoring Aston Villa frontman Ollie Watkins. Now, they’ve got one step further by initiating contact for a player they’re willing to spend big on.
Photo by EMIL NICOLAI HELMS/TT News Agency/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by EMIL NICOLAI HELMS/TT News Agency/AFP via Getty Images
Ollie Watkins has outscored Cole Palmer since the start of last season
If you want a sign of how good Watkins has been in Villa colours in recent years, he’s actually scored more club goals than Chelsea superstar Cole Palmer since the beginning of the 2023/24 season.
Season Club Appearances Goals
2024/25 Chelsea 41 14
2023/24 Chelsea + Manchester City 48 27
Cole Palmer’s club record
Season Club Appearances Goals
2024/25 Aston Villa 50 16
2023/24 Aston Villa 53 27
Ollie Watkins’ club record
Even though Palmer has netted 41 times across the last two seasons, Watkins’ tally is higher on 43 goals.
The duo are teammates on the international stage with England, but could they be linking up together at Chelsea next season?
Speaking in 2024 via England’s official Instagram account, Declan Rice raved about Watkins’ ability in attack. He said: “Weak foot! His weak foot is unbelievable! He has got so much more than that but his weak foot is just a joke!”