Chelsea and Arsenal will both be pushing to sign an elite striker this summer.
Chelsea have Nicolas Jackson at their disposal and Arsenal have Kai Havertz, however, there’s the feeling at both clubs that a 20-goal addition could make a big difference.
Enzo Maresca’s side don’t really have natural back up for Jackson right now unless Christopher Nkunku is played out of position as a number nine.
The Frenchman prefers playing in a role just behind the striker and that perhaps explains why Nkunku could leave Chelsea.
In fact, Nkunku has been linked with Arsenal ahead of the summer, a move the 27-year-old might be open to.
But as explained, both clubs are in search of a more traditional number nine, and they might have landed on the same Premier League target.
Chelsea join Arsenal in race to sign Ollie Watkins
According to Football Transfers, Chelsea have made an approach to sign Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa this summer.
Watkins is seen as an alternative to Victor Osimhen at Stamford Bridge, a striker who has already demonstrated his excellence in the Premier League.
READ MORE: Enzo Maresca knows which position he needs to upgrade this summer and many at Chelsea agree with him
The England international has scored 86 goals in 220 games for Villa, explaining why Arsenal are also interested in the striker.
Arsenal made a bid to sign Watkins in January after confirmation of Havertz’s season-ending injury.
Although, a deal couldn’t be agreed in the same window in which Jhon Duran left Villa Park to head to the Saudi Pro League.
Interestingly, this new report claims that Villa would demand £60m for 29-year-old Watkins in the summer — the same figure that Arsenal bid in January.
Mikel Arteta is thought to be a big fan of Watkins’ talent, and the striker has remained on Andrea Berta’s shortlist for a few months’ time.
Ollie Waktins is perfect for Enzo Maresca
Of course, it does have to be questioned whether a move for Watkins would be right for Chelsea right now.
The club’s transfer team seem so determined to sign young players and Watkins will turn 30 this year.
However, in the same breath as Berta identifying Watkins as a potential ‘win now’ option for Arsenal — Chelsea should be seeking a similar character.
Chelsea have a wave of exciting young talent joining the club, but they will still need experienced players to achieve results whilst the likes of Estevao and Kendry Paez are adapting to England.
And by all accounts, Watkins could thrive alongside Cole Palmer for example, a duo who will know each other well from England duty.
