Chelsea are interested in signing Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, according to GiveMeSport.
The 27-year-old, who has been capped 7 times by England, is believed to be on a shortlist of three names as the Blues plot to strengthen their options upfront in the next transfer window.
Brentford’s Ivan Toney is still said to be the “priority target” but Mauricio Pochettino’s side are also reportedly keen on Watkins and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.
The Villa forward has not scored in 4 Premier League appearances so far this season, but he did get a hat-trick in the Europa Conference League qualifier against Hibernian last month.
Watkins’ overall record in the Premier League is, however, pretty mediocre, having scored 40 times in 113 appearances, averaging a goal every 2.8 matches, and that may be why Chelsea haven’t made him their number-one option.
Competition could force Chelsea to change their transfer plans
While Toney is thought to be the preferred target, both Manchester United and Tottenham are known to be interested in the 28-year-old as well.
Due to the fact that the striker will have less than 18 months left on his contract by January, you would assume that Brentford would lower their demands but it is believed that they may set their asking price at £80m.
It, therefore, makes sense that there are contingency plans in place, with Watkins and Sesko also being watched.
Why is the club looking for a striker so soon after the summer transfer window?
The Blues left themselves light of centre-forwards, which is an alarming oversight, considering how many other players were signed.
There was a feeling that Nicolas Jackson could cope with the pressure of leading the line and, while the Senegalese international has performed well, there are concerns about his goal return. That has led to the club’s recruitment department searching for alternatives already.
