Chelsea could raid one of their Premier League rivals this summer as they look to bolster their options up front.
The Blues currently have Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Marc Guiu in their first-team squad but appear keen to bring in another striker.
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Chelsea are thought to have Igor Thiago on their radar, but it looks like the Brentford man is not the only Premier League No.9 they are considering.
Chelsea considering move for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins
According to journalist Simon Phillips, Chelsea looked into signing Ollie Watkins at the end of the 2025 summer transfer window.
Phillips has now claimed on Si Phillips Talks Chelsea that the club are once again considering the Englishman, having discussed his name internally.
Watkins is having another impressive season at Aston Villa, scoring 19 goals in all competitions. That is one fewer than Joao Pedro has managed, with the Brazilian also having a strong campaign at Chelsea.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa
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While Watkins or another centre-forward could be heading to Stamford Bridge this summer, Delap could be on his way out.
The 23-year-old has struggled in west London this term and has been linked to several different clubs.
Ollie Watkins’ Premier League record
Watkins is one of the best forwards in the Premier League, and perhaps that gets overlooked at times because he is not at one of the big six clubs.
In 220 top-flight appearances, he has scored 89 goals. It means by the end of the 2026/27 campaign, Watkins should be part of the 100-club.
Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins is being linked with a move to Chelsea!
He ticks every box 🔥
Ollie Watkins' Premier League stats
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For Villa in all competitions, he has already reached the 100-goal mark. The England international is a proven goalscorer and is 30 now. He is the ideal transfer target for Chelsea this summer as they try to bring in players with a bit more experience.
Cover for Pedro has not been sufficient. Delap has only managed to score one goal in the Premier League this term.
Of course, Watkins will not come to sit on Chelsea’s bench. But there are a lot of games and Pedro’s form did dip earlier in the season. Watkins would still end up getting plenty of opportunities if he joined.
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