Forward On Chelsea Radar with Villa Set for £60m Summer Decision | OneFootball

Chelsea’s Striker Puzzle: Watkins Waiting in the Wings if Osimhen Move Collapses

BlueCo’s Forward Thinking

Chelsea’s relentless search for a reliable centre-forward has once again thrust them into the transfer spotlight, this time with Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins at the heart of proceedings. According to Football Transfers, the London club have “approached Villa over the potential signing of Watkins in case a deal for Napoli striker Osimhen breaks down.”

While Victor Osimhen remains the top target, negotiations remain fragile. Chelsea have been here before. Talks with the Nigerian striker collapsed last summer due to his eye-watering wage demands — reported to be £250,000 per week — and history may be repeating itself. “There are ‘fears’ that Osimhen’s demands will again block a Chelsea deal for him,” the report reveals, despite expectations that his loan spell with Galatasaray will end with a permanent exit.

Watkins as Plan B – Or Better?

Watkins, 29, may not fit the “typical profile of a BlueCo signing”, but he brings Premier League pedigree and a work ethic to match. With 15 goals already this season, Chelsea’s interest is no mystery. The club are said to be “exploring” a move for Watkins, and it’s noted that Villa “would sanction his sale for £60m this summer.” That price, Chelsea are reportedly “willing to match.”

The striker’s mix of speed, pressing, and finishing could suit Enzo Maresca’s tactical outlook. With doubts over Christopher Nkunku’s future and a clear need to push Nicolas Jackson further, Watkins is no longer just a backup plan. He’s a viable solution.

Arsenal Rejected, Chelsea Beckoning?

Watkins’ value is clear when you consider Arsenal’s failed attempt to sign him in January. “Watkins… drew serious interest from Arsenal… who had a £40m bid instantly rejected by Villa.” Unai Emery, wary of losing his main striker while Jhon Duran was Saudi-bound, held firm. But with a more settled attacking line-up and Watkins’ contract running until 2028, Villa can now negotiate from a position of strength — or opt to cash in.

TEAMtalk adds further intrigue, noting that “Chelsea have other striker targets on their radar” including Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko. But Watkins, in form and in the Premier League already, presents the least risk.

Big Money Moves and Bigger Decisions

As for Osimhen, the competition is fierce. Saudi clubs are ready to meet his €75m (£64m) release clause and offer a mind-boggling £750,000 per week. Meanwhile, PSG’s past interest remains unresolved. It’s no wonder Chelsea are seeking alternatives.

Whether Watkins is the solution remains to be seen. But with Chelsea’s intent clear and Villa’s stance firm, this is a transfer to watch closely.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Excited Chelsea Fan Perspective

There’s real buzz around the idea of Ollie Watkins donning Chelsea blue. While Victor Osimhen is undoubtedly elite, Watkins feels like a safer, smarter option. He knows the Premier League inside-out, won’t need time to adjust, and has already proven his consistency with 15 goals this term. The fact that “Chelsea are ‘willing to match this’” when it comes to Villa’s £60m valuation suggests the club is finally learning from past mistakes — overpaying abroad while ignoring domestic talent.

Yes, Watkins is 29 and doesn’t scream “project signing,” but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The squad is crying out for experience and a leader up top. Watkins brings that — as well as a point to prove after being overlooked too often for the top clubs.

Missing out on Osimhen wouldn’t be a disaster. His wage demands are over the top, and Chelsea don’t need another financial headache. Watkins could be the right striker, at the right time, for the right manager. Hopefully, the board see it the same way.