In search of boosting their frontline once again, Chelsea chiefs are now reportedly ready to match the £60m asking price of one impressive forward having already made their first approach for his signature.
Chelsea's UCL push going down to the wire
Whilst there would have been plenty of relief around Nottingham Forest's 2-0 defeat at the hands of Brentford in midweek, Chelsea still have it all to do in the race to secure Champions League qualification. Sat fifth on goal difference and in the last remaining Champions League spot, the Blues may need to win all four of their remaining games to finish above the chasing pack of Forest and Aston Villa.
With Premier League champions Liverpool to face this weekend too, it doesn't get any easier for Chelsea who may be hoping to come up against a side in celebration rather than the ruthless Reds that English football has become accustomed to this season.
Blues boss Enzo Maresca recently had his say on the Champions League race, telling reporters: "How many times in the last two years has Chelsea been in the Champions League [places]? Zero.
“How many times this season? Almost all season. It is an improvement or not? It is already an improvement because we spend all season there. Now, we are going to try our best to finish there no doubt.
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Chelsea now have one foot in the Europa Conference League final after a 4-1 win over Djurgården last night.
"We want to finish there, no doubt. We are happy to finish there, yes. Is it enough? No, because we want to compete for titles. But compared to the past two years, I think it is quite clear that there is an improvement. Now, if you want to see it, you see it. If you don't want to see it, you don't see it. It depends which way. I see it."
Meanwhile, should the London club go on and confirm their place among Europe's elite this month, they could be well placed to welcome an impressive Premier League rival.
Chelsea ready to meet Watkins price tag
According to Football Transfers, Chelsea are now ready to match Ollie Watkins' £60m valuation to welcome the Aston Villa striker this summer, having already made their first approach for his signature.
Ollie-Watkins-Maatsen
Watkins was, of course, at the centre of attention in January when Arsenal came calling. Unlike Chelsea, however, the Gunners were reluctant to meet Villa's asking price and the England international therefore stayed put in the Midlands.
At 29 years old, the Villa star goes against BlueCo's usual transfer route of young stars, but an established Premier League goalscorer could be exactly what Maresca's side need if they are to improve this summer.
Premier League stats 24/25 (via FBref) Ollie Watkins Nicolas Jackson
Starts 27 26
Goals 15 10
Assists 7 5
Expected Goals 14.5 12.2
Dubbed "amazing" by Villa boss Unai Emery earlier this season, Watkins' numbers compared to Nicolas Jackson highlight the upgrade that he would instantly offer Chelsea and Maresca.