This summer time is one other alternative for Chelsea to flex their muscle tissues within the switch market, with the hierarchy capable of again Enzo Maresca in his quest at Stamford Bridge.
The Italian took over the position final summer time, becoming a member of from Leicester Metropolis, nonetheless having the chance to finish the season with a Europa Convention League triumph and a spot within the Premier League’s prime 5.
Ought to they obtain the latter, they may safe a spot within the Champions League as soon as once more, lastly mixing with Europe’s elite after lacking out in every of the final two campaigns.
Nonetheless, if they’re to be aggressive in such a contest, the hierarchy might want to hand Maresca the funds to speculate and land key squad depth in a number of key areas of the pitch.
One space particularly has been topic to large curiosity over the previous couple of weeks, with the board seeking to again the supervisor upon the opening of the summer time window.
The newest on Chelsea’s pursuit of a brand new striker this summer time
Regardless of Nicolas Jackson’s double in opposition to Djurgarden on Thursday night time, Chelsea have been available in the market for a brand new talisman over the past couple of years.
Liam Delap has been the foremost striker that’s been on their shortlist in latest months, along with his £30m relegation launch clause probably permitting the Blues to get themselves a cut price.
Nonetheless, one other identify has just lately entered the combination in West London, within the type of Ollie Watkins, who seems set to depart Aston Villa within the coming months, in response to FootballTransfers.
The report claims that the Blues have already made an method for the 29-year-old striker, with the hierarchy prepared to pay his £60m asking worth set by Unai Emery’s aspect.
It additionally reviews that Maresca is eager on a transfer to land the England worldwide, needing to behave rapidly to keep away from lacking out, with Arsenal as soon as once more within the hunt for his signature.
Why Chelsea’s £60m goal might be their very own Isak
Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak has been one of many Premier League’s main talismen in 2024/25, scoring a staggering 22 instances in his 31 outings.
The Swede has performed an enormous position within the Magpies’ ambitions of additionally ending throughout the prime 5, developing in opposition to the Blues in simply over seven days time.
The 25-year-old has been the topic of big curiosity from the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Actual Madrid over the previous couple of months – with Chelsea even getting themselves positioned within the race.
Nonetheless, it’s extremely unlikely that any aspect will be capable to afford the striker this summer time, with Eddie Howe’s aspect inserting a whopping £150m price ticket on his shoulders for the upcoming window.
Such a determine may result in a transfer for Watkins, with the Englishman being the Blues’ personal model of Isak – with FBref labelling him as the same participant to the Swede.
When delving into their respective stats from the continued marketing campaign, the 29-year-old has managed to outperform the Magpies star in quite a few key areas, showcasing what an excellent addition he could be.
Watkins, who’s been labelled “great” by former boss Dean Smith, could have registered fewer mixed targets and assists, however has managed a larger shot-on-target accuracy fee – showcasing his scientific potential within the ultimate third.
|
How Watkins compares to Isak within the PL (2024/25) |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Statistics (per 90) |
Watkins |
Isak |
|
Video games performed |
35 |
31 |
|
Objectives & assists |
22 |
28 |
|
Shot-on-target accuracy |
43% |
42% |
|
Cross accuracy |
75% |
74% |
|
Aerials received |
1.8 |
0.9 |
|
Aerial success fee |
43% |
34% |
|
Fouls received |
1.2 |
0.4 |
|
Stats through FBref |
||
He’s additionally managed to finish extra of the passes he’s tried, while attaining a better aerial success fee, providing Maresca an all-round possibility in ahead areas.
The Englishman has showcased over the previous couple of years that he’s greater than able to main the road for a aspect who’re pushing to land a spot throughout the Champions League locations.
£60m could appear a hefty charge for a 29-year-old, however such a charge could be price each penny if he can hearth the Blues to rapid success on the Bridge – permitting the likes of Jackson to work off him within the course of.
Associated
109 touches, 98% passing: Chelsea could have discovered a much bigger star than George
Chelsea now have one foot within the Europa Convention League ultimate after a 4-1 win over Djurgården final night time.
