Chelsea are eager to sign a striker for the upcoming 2024/25 season under Enzo Maresca’s management. The team, currently training at Cobham before heading to the United States soon, includes new signings Tosin Adarabioyo, Omari Kellyman, Marc Guiu, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and Renato Veiga. Additional recruits are anticipated before August 30, with football.london reporting that acquiring a central striker is the club’s primary focus, with several players under consideration.
Chelsea are interested in bolstering their squad to provide more competition and support for Nicolas Jackson. Originally signed with a gradual integration plan, Jackson had to shoulder additional responsibilities due to injuries last season.
According to football.london, Chelsea have shown interest in Benjamin Sesko, Jhon Duran, Samu Omorodion, and Jonathan David this summer. However, as of now, none of these potential moves have materialized.
Victor Osimhen has been linked with Chelsea, but Paris Saint-Germain’s negotiations with Napoli could lead Chelsea to explore other options. One standout candidate is Ollie Watkins, who had an exceptional 2023/24 season with Aston Villa, scoring 27 goals and providing 13 assists across 53 appearances. Watkins, 28, also made a mark for England during Euro 2024, notably scoring a crucial last-minute goal against the Netherlands in the semi-finals.
Watkins is adept at dribbling and linking up play, with a willingness to make runs behind the defence, which can unsettle opponents and create opportunities.
With Maresca likely favoring a system with two wingers, Ollie Watkins could be an ideal center-forward option for him if he considers a move to Chelsea. Transfermarkt values Watkins at €65 million (£54.7 million), though Aston Villa would likely demand more should Chelsea pursue him. Watkins has expressed contentment playing under Unai Emery at Villa, especially with Champions League football secured for the upcoming season, making his potential interest in a move to Chelsea uncertain.
Following Villa’s disappointing 5-0 loss to Crystal Palace on the final day of last season, Watkins reflected on the team’s achievements, stating, “It was disappointing to end such a great season on such a low note at Crystal Palace. But we have been tremendous all season – very consistent – and we finished where we deserved – with Champions League football coming to Villa Park.”
“Next year will be very special. What happened at Palace was disappointing, both individually and collectively, but it doesn’t define our season. We’ve been excellent throughout the year. Personally, I’ve been consistent, achieving my goal of reaching 20 goals. But there’s always room to improve, and I’m looking forward to the next season.
“Has this season been a breakthrough? Yes, but I’ve worked hard for it, so I’m not surprised by my success. I’m confident next season will be even better. Many teams are competitive; Chelsea, despite what some say, have been strong and will only get stronger.
“Crystal Palace’s new manager has them performing well, and Tottenham is also a strong competitor. We know next season will be tough, and we need to be prepared.”
Chelsea will soon travel to America, with Maresca’s first pre-season match against Wrexham scheduled for next Wednesday. Whether Watkins or another striker will join Chelsea during their time in the United States remains uncertain.
