Chelsea planning to secure Aston Villa ace they failed to get in 2020

Chelsea are reportedly gearing up for an ambitious summer move to secure Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, aiming to strengthen their attacking lineup under new manager Enzo Maresca. The Blues previously missed the chance to sign Watkins for £28 million in 2020 when he was with Brentford.

Ollie Watkins has established himself as one of the most consistent and reliable strikers in the Premier League. During the 2023/24 season, he scored an impressive 19 goals and provided 13 assists in 37 league appearances, playing a crucial role in Aston Villa's qualification for the Champions League. His outstanding performances have caught the attention of several top clubs, including Liverpool and Chelsea.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot sees Watkins as a potential replacement for Darwin Nunez, but it appears that Chelsea are more determined to secure the services of the 28-year-old forward.

Watkins began his footballing journey at Exeter City, rising through their academy ranks before making a move to Brentford in 2017. He enjoyed three successful seasons with the Bees, scoring goals for fun, which earned him a £28 million transfer to Aston Villa.

Since joining Villa, Watkins has been in scintillating form, finding the back of the net 70 times in 169 appearances. His performances have earned him praise from teammates and journalists, and his recent heroics for England, including scoring the winning goal in the Euros semi-final against the Netherlands, have only enhanced his reputation.

Chelsea's current striking options have left much to be desired. Nicolas Jackson has struggled to find consistency, while Christopher Nkunku has been sidelined with a long-term injury. This has led Maresca to search for an upgrade, with Watkins emerging as a top target.

The potential partnership between Watkins and Cole Palmer, who have already shown great understanding on the international stage, could be a game-changer for the Blues as they look to mount a serious challenge for silverware.

Securing Watkins' signature will not be an easy task for Chelsea. Aston Villa are likely to demand a substantial fee for their star striker, with journalist Neil Moxley suggesting that the forward could cost upwards of £75 million.

Villa's interest in signing Ivan Toney hints at possible succession planning, but they are expected to drive a hard bargain over any potential transfer for Watkins.

Chelsea's need for reinforcements up front is further compounded by the uncertain future of Armando Broja. The Albanian forward is expected to leave Stamford Bridge after a difficult loan spell at Fulham, with AC Milan reportedly interested in securing his services.

This leaves Chelsea in a position where they must act swiftly and decisively in the transfer market to address their attacking deficiencies, making the acquisition of Watkins all the more critical.