By Daily Sports Nigeria on May 5, 2025

Chelsea’s ambition to sign Victor Osimhen may once again fall apart as the Premier League giants brace for a potential repeat of last summer’s collapsed negotiations, with Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins now being lined up as a contingency plan.

According to a report by UK-based outlet EPL Index, the London club have already “approached Villa over the potential signing of Watkins in case a deal for Napoli striker Osimhen breaks down.” Despite Osimhen remaining Chelsea’s primary target, discussions over his transfer are said to be on fragile ground due to ongoing concerns about his salary expectations.

While the 25-year-old is expected to end his loan spell at Galatasaray and make a permanent move this summer, his high wage bracket has prompted Chelsea to explore other striking options.

“The Nigerian forward’s proposed move to Stamford Bridge failed last summer after the player reportedly demanded weekly wages in the region of £250,000. There are fears that Osimhen’s demands will again block a Chelsea deal for him.” EPL Index reported.

Ollie Watkins, who has netted 15 goals this season for Aston Villa, is seen as a potential solution. Though the 29-year-old does not align with the typical profile of a BlueCo signing, his Premier League experience and consistent form have reportedly caught Chelsea’s attention. As per EPL Index, the club is “exploring” a move for Watkins and would be willing to meet Villa’s £60m valuation.

Meanwhile, competition for Osimhen is intensifying across Europe and beyond. Saudi Arabian clubs are reportedly ready to trigger his €75m (£64m) release clause and offer wages as high as £750,000 per week. Paris Saint-Germain have also maintained interest in the forward, though their position remains uncertain.

Given the scale of financial demands involved in the Osimhen deal, Chelsea are understood to be considering less risky alternatives. As highlighted by EPL Index, the club also has other striker targets on its radar, including Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško.

The outlet noted growing support among some fans for a Watkins move, with the sentiment that the Villa striker may be a more dependable and less problematic option than Osimhen. “Watkins feels like a safer, smarter option, he won’t need time to adjust, and has already proven his consistency,” the report stated.

While the outcome of Chelsea’s pursuit of Osimhen remains unclear, Watkins’ name continues to gather traction behind the scenes. The next few weeks could prove decisive as the club balances ambition with practicality in its quest for a top-class forward.

Source Punch Ng

Posted May 5, 2025

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