Exclusive: Cole Palmer is discreetly attempting to persuade his England teammate to transfer to Chelsea.
Chelsea player Cole Palmer is reportedly trying to persuade one of his England teammates to join him at Chelsea this summer. Palmer, who wasn’t a starter for England during Euro 2024 but played a key role, is said to be convincing Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins to make the move.
Palmer, 22, contributed significantly to England’s progress in the tournament. He came off the bench in the quarter-finals, helping England beat Switzerland in a penalty shootout by scoring the first penalty. In the semi-final against the Netherlands, he made a crucial pass that led to Ollie Watkins scoring the winning goal in the 91st minute. In the final against Spain, both Palmer and Watkins came on as substitutes, with Palmer scoring a brilliant goal to equalize the match for England.
Off the pitch, Palmer and Watkins have a strong rapport, and Palmer is now reportedly trying to use this connection to convince Watkins to join Chelsea. According to Football Insider, Palmer has been talking to Watkins about the benefits of moving to Chelsea, suggesting that they could form a powerful partnership under Chelsea’s manager, Enzo Maresca.
Chelsea is in the market for a new striker this summer, and Watkins, 28, is on their radar. Watkins had a great season with Aston Villa, scoring 19 goals in the Premier League and helping the team qualify for the Champions League. To make the transfer more appealing, Chelsea is reportedly willing to offer Conor Gallagher to Aston Villa. Gallagher has been a target for Villa’s manager, Unai Emery, which could help smooth the transfer process.
Chelsea’s hunt for new players is part of a larger plan to strengthen their squad. Since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital took over in 2022, Chelsea has spent over £1 billion on new signings. This summer, they have already signed players like Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Omari Kellyman, Renato Veiga, and Marc Guiu.
As the transfer window continues, it remains to be seen if Palmer’s efforts to bring Watkins to Chelsea will be successful. However, it’s clear that Chelsea is determined to build a stronger team for the upcoming season.
Chelsea’s Cole Palmer is reportedly attempting to convince an England teammate to join him at the club this summer. Palmer, who had a significant impact for England during Euro 2024 despite not being a starter, is said to be targeting Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins for a move.
At 22, Palmer played a crucial role in England’s success in the tournament. He came off the bench in the quarter-finals to help England defeat Switzerland in a penalty shootout, scoring the first penalty. In the semi-final against the Netherlands, he delivered a key pass that led to Watkins scoring the decisive goal in the 91st minute. In the final against Spain, both Palmer and Watkins entered as substitutes, with Palmer scoring an impressive goal to equalize for England.
Off the field, Palmer and Watkins share a strong relationship, and Palmer is reportedly leveraging this bond to persuade Watkins to join Chelsea. Football Insider reports that Palmer has been discussing the advantages of moving to Chelsea with Watkins, suggesting they could form a formidable duo under manager Enzo Maresca.
Chelsea is actively seeking a new striker this summer, and the 28-year-old Watkins is a prime candidate. Watkins had an outstanding season with Aston Villa, netting 19 goals in the Premier League and helping secure a Champions League spot. To facilitate the transfer, Chelsea is reportedly prepared to offer Conor Gallagher to Aston Villa. Villa’s manager, Unai Emery, has shown interest in Gallagher, which could ease the transfer negotiations.
Chelsea’s pursuit of new talent aligns with a broader strategy to enhance their squad. Since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital took ownership in 2022, the club has invested over £1 billion in new signings. This summer alone, Chelsea has acquired players like Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Omari Kellyman, Renato Veiga, and Marc Guiu.
As the transfer window progresses, it remains uncertain whether Palmer’s efforts to lure Watkins to Chelsea will succeed. However, it is evident that Chelsea is committed to strengthening their team for the upcoming season.