Chelsea transfer news: Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has emerged as a new name on Mauricio Pochettino's summer short list
Mauricio Pochettino looks to have made a very important decision regarding Chelsea's summer search for a striker. Regarding potential attacking acquisitions, the Blues had been linked with Dusan Vlahovic, Lautaro Martinez, Paulo Dybala and Victor Osimhen, but a late push in the window for one of those options appears highly unlikely.
The 21-year-old was left off the USA pre-season tour to continue his recovery from a serious knee injury at Cobham, but he could still feature prominently in the 2023/24 season. Although the Blues aren't actively in search of a striker, a new name has emerged on their wish list.
According to journalist Simon Phillips, via his Substack, Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has become a fresh striker target for Chelsea. It is however noted that pulling off the deal would be a challenge, but there is definitely interest from the capital.
Arsenal have also been linked with a move for the former Brentford man in recent windows but are now well-stocked in the natural No.9 position. Unai Emery helped guide Villa back to European football on the final day of the season and their summer business thus far indicates a team ready to crash the 'big six'.
Youri Tielemans had already made the switch from Leicester as a free agent prior to the window officially opening while Tottenham target Pau Torres has also signed from Villareal in a deal worth an initial £33million and now a transfer for Bayer Leverkusen for Moussa Diaby is on the verge of completion which will see Villa pay €60m (£51.9m).
Being focused on incomings and spending significantly on those signings could open the door for Chelsea to make their interest formal with Villa potentially needing a hefty sale to balance their books.
Which of the following prospects would you like to see in the first team, or loaned out for experience? Swipe to have your say...
mookmrsu
0
Watkins will be perfect signing for Chelsea
mookmrsu
0
Broja cannot lead Chelsea to glory please we need striker
TheOrigRomessio
0
I knew I was matured the day I walked passed an empty bottle of water without kicking it... Out of joy I went back and kicked it, to celebrate my maturity.🤣
[image]
Last bottle I kicked, I ran away and took off my shirt
Crissi
0
So this is not about Alvarez?
It’s about Watkins who’s also is the picture
Crissi
0
Whaaaaat???? so why the big picture of Alvarez
Because Ollie Watkins is challenging for the ball too
Cawbceikmt
2
an i an go to
SHUMBAH
3
Whaaaaat???? so why the big picture of Alvarez
Hascdiopry
0
So this is not about Alvarez?
mikceiny
2
Please Chelsea should sign Alvarez
Foobdkotuy
2
Liverpool new signing
Shmonny
5
I knew I was matured the day I walked passed an empty bottle of water without kicking it... Out of joy I went back and kicked it, to celebrate my maturity.🤣
Vetdiopstz
1
sign Julian Alvarez please
fabekmsty
1
They put Alverez's picture but when l was reading the article it's talking about Watkins. Nonsense
there's Alvarez and Watkins behind
Bocbcklotu
2
poor
suwaeiost
0
Why not go for Man City’s Alvarez instead of Ollie Watkins
city won't sell him
GodfreyMutei
0
Chelsea have Jackson n Nkunku upfront. No more strikers!
we've flexible midfielders who can make up for it. Broja is in waiting
biblo2
3
They put Alverez's picture but when l was reading the article it's talking about Watkins. Nonsense
jaccdknoty
2
I thought it's Alveraz from city kkkkkkk
yeedknops
3
Why not go for Man City’s Alvarez instead of Ollie Watkins
Jihimost
1
Julian Alvarez👍🏾
jodcdklnos
3
yeah Ollie Watkins is good... good choice pochettino
camcdkrtyz
1
I don't know what is wrong with Chelsea we need MD
Jinabdimnr
2
thought is alavlez
spenser1
1
Chelsea have Jackson n Nkunku upfront. No more strikers!
what if they got injured
Tuknrsuz
2
But we have Nicolas Jackson already
GodfreyMutei
1
Chelsea have Jackson n Nkunku upfront. No more strikers!
Yorokiri
2
Here we go... Chelsea in Shock!!