Breaking News: Negotiations kept Chelsea close to finalizing a deal, contingent on one condition, while Aston faced the prospect of losing another player to the Blues, also based on a single condition.
Chelsea have been in discussions with Aston Villa’s head coach and sporting director to finalize the transfer of Ollie Watkins to Stamford Bridge this summer.
Unai Emery has been focused on revitalizing the squad following a challenging season, actively managing player transfers in and out during this window.
With Enzo Maresca guiding the transfer process, Chelsea may need to part with another key player to secure Watkins’ signing.
Last season, Watkins scored 27 goals and provided 13 assists for Villa, earning a spot in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024. Despite limited playtime, he made a crucial impact by scoring in the 90th minute during the semi-final against the Netherlands, helping England reach the final.
Watkins could be a valuable addition for Chelsea, fitting the criteria set by the manager for bolstering the squad before making any transfers.
Aston Villa is reportedly interested in acquiring a promising talent from Chelsea, and now seems an opportune time for a deal since the player is open to moving to West London.
Chelsea has offered £60 million for Conor Gallagher, while Aston Villa values Watkins at £47 million plus add-ons.
Villa’s manager Unai Emery and sporting director Monchi have been diligently enhancing the squad this summer, bringing in players like Ian Maatsen, Samuel Iling-Junior, Lewis Dobbin, Enzo Barrenechea, and Ross Barkley, while Douglas Luiz and Tim Iroegbunam have departed.
Watkins has also drawn interest from Arsenal, with former defender William Gallas praising his potential fit with playmaker Martin Odegaard.
“For Arsenal, I like Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins,” Gallas commented in an interview with Lord Ping. “He has the pace needed for a striker, and paired with Odegaard, it would be magnificent. Defending against Watkins is tough because he’s so clever with his runs. With Odegaard, they could cause significant damage. If I were at Arsenal, I’d choose him.”
To complete the deal, Chelsea should consider making a bid for Watkins before Arsenal intensifies their interest or include their midfielder in the offer to secure the player.
Acquiring Watkins would mark a notable transfer season for Chelsea under Enzo Maresca, providing the manager with numerous options for the next season.