Chelsea are reportedly considering a move for Ollie Watkins in January. The Blues are in desperate need of reinforcements up top with Nicolas Jackson struggling to make an impact since switching to Stamford Bridge in the summer.
A move for Watkins could be a complicated one as he recently committed his future to Aston Villa by signing a contract extension until 2028. But according to the Si Phillips Talks Chelsea Substack, the west Londoners are still looking at the possibility of bringing him in during the winter transfer window in order to solve their scoring problems.
Watkins has been on a fine run of form in front of goal so far this season. The Englishman has netted 9 times for Villa across 16 appearances in all competitions – his best start to a season in the claret and blue.
However, he is understood to be a backup option in case the Blues can’t secure the signature of Brentford’s wantaway striker Ivan Toney. The Bees want no less than £80million for their star man, who is due to return to competitive football on January 17 after serving his eight-month ban after breaching the FA’s betting rules.
Red Bull Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko is also reportedly on Chelsea’s January shortlist. The Slovenian youngster has only just joined the Bundesliga outfit but could be out the door six months later.
According to 90min, RB Leipzig have informed interested parties that they are willing to let him move elsewhere in the new year if they can get double the £20m they paid for him in June. Fellow new arrival Lois Openda has established himself as a regular starter for Marco Rose’s side leaving Sesko out in the cold.
Sesko would prove to be the riskiest signing out of the trio while Toney and Watkins have established track records in the Premier League. The latter is worth up to £60m now that he has signed a new deal at Villa Park but it is likely the Villans would want more if they are to let him go.
It is understood that Villa have no interest in selling their star striker before the end of the 2023/2024 campaign as they look to continue their rise in Europe.
