MX23RW : Saturday, December 28 17:00:40| >> :60:48:48:

Chelsea considering January move for Ollie Watkins?

Chelsea considering January move for Ollie Watkins?
© Reuters
Chelsea are reportedly considering whether to launch a move for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins in the January transfer window.

Chelsea are reportedly interested in launching a January move for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.

The Blues strengthened their forward options in the summer transfer window with the additions of Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku.

However, Chelsea received a setback when Nkunku sustained a knee injury in pre-season, which has left the France international waiting to make his debut.

Jackson, meanwhile, has struggled for consistency in the opening weeks of the season despite finding the net in a 3-0 win over Luton Town.

With Armando Broja still working his way back from a long-term injury, Chelsea are keen to bring in a proven striker in the January transfer window.

Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino during defeat to Nottingham Forest on September 2, 2023.© Reuters

According to journalist Simon Phillips, Watkins is among the potential targets being considered by the West London club.

Chelsea were previously linked with the Villa striker during the summer transfer window and are now considering whether to step up their pursuit in January.

The 27-year-old has two years left to run on his current contract, and he is regarded as a key part of Unai Emery's side.

Although he is still waiting to open his Premier League account for the season, Watkins netted a hat-trick against Hibernian in the first leg of Villa's Europa Conference League qualifying tie.

Ollie Watkins celebrates scoring for Aston Villa on February 25, 2023© Reuters

Since joining the Villans in 2020, the forward has racked up 46 goals in 122 appearances across all competitions.

Chelsea are also keeping tabs on Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic after showing an interest in the summer transfer window, while Lille forward Jonathan David also features on their shortlist.

The Blues have identified Brenford's Ivan Toney as another target after a recent report claimed they are considering a January approach.

Mauricio Pochettino's side will return to action after the international break with an away trip to Bournemouth on Sunday.

ID:523648:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect4976:
Written by
Ben Sully

Click here for more stories about Ollie Watkins

Click here for more stories about Chelsea

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Brentford's Ivan Toney celebrates scoring their first goal with Bryan Mbeumo on November 12, 2022
Read Next:
Chelsea 'considering January move for Ivan Toney'
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool17133140172342
2Arsenal18106235161936
3Chelsea18105338211735
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest1810442419534
5Newcastle UnitedNewcastle188553021929
6Bournemouth188552721629
7Manchester CityMan City188463026428
8Fulham187742623328
9Aston Villa188462629-328
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton186842726126
11Brentford187383232024
12Tottenham HotspurSpurs1872939261323
13West Ham UnitedWest Ham186572330-723
14Manchester UnitedMan Utd186482124-322
15Everton173861522-717
16Crystal Palace183871826-817
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1843112940-1115
18Leicester CityLeicester1835102240-1814
19Ipswich TownIpswich1826101633-1712
20Southampton1813141137-266


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!