{"id":15483,"date":"2026-07-08T18:07:24","date_gmt":"2026-07-08T18:07:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=15483"},"modified":"2026-07-08T18:07:24","modified_gmt":"2026-07-08T18:07:24","slug":"three-reasons-why-chelsea-should-sign-ollie-watkins-instead-of-dusan-vlahovic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=15483","title":{"rendered":"Three reasons why Chelsea should sign Ollie Watkins instead of Dusan Vlahovic"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Considering Joao Pedro\u2019s proficiency in front of goal last season, the centre-forward position does not need to be a priority for Chelsea right now.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Nevertheless, they are still being linked with strikers, including Aston Villa\u2019s Ollie Watkins and free agent Dusan Vlahovic.<\/p>\n

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Who should be Joao Pedro\u2019s deputy next season, Folarin Balogun or someone else?<\/h3>\n

The AS Monaco striker is being linked to Chelsea after impressing at the World Cup \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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\"Folarin<\/div>
Credit: Antonio Borga\/Eurasia Sport Images\/Steve Bardens via Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n

Watkins and Vlahovic are both proven No.9s, but bringing the former to Stamford Bridge would make much more sense, and here is why:<\/p>\n

Premier League experience<\/h2>\n

Watkins has been playing in the Premier League for the past six years and is easily one of the best centre-forwards in the division.<\/p>\n

In total, the 30-year-old has made 221 appearances and scored 91 goals. By the end of the 2026\/27 campaign, he should be part of the 100 club.<\/p>\n

According to CaughtOffside, Vlahovic is Chelsea\u2019s priority if they do plan to bring in a new striker, whereas Watkins is just an option. However, his familiarity with the English top flight is reason alone for the Blues to pick him over Vlahovic.<\/p>\n

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\"Ollie<\/div>
Photo by Aston Villa\/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Better injury record<\/h2>\n

Watkins has a very good injury record at Villa and barely misses games for them. Last term, the Englishman was only unavailable for a single Premier League fixture.<\/p>\n

In contrast, Vlahovic suffered with injuries at Juventus. In his final season in Turin, he was only able to make 19 appearances in Serie A.<\/p>\n

As Chelsea continue to discuss Watkins and Vlahovic, that is obviously something that the club cannot ignore.<\/p>\n

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\"Dusan<\/div>
Photo by Image Photo Agency\/Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lower wages<\/h2>\n

Chelsea may be able to get Vlahovic on a free transfer, but his wages are going to be huge, partly because of that.<\/p>\n

With no transfer fee being paid, Vlahovic will no doubt ask for a massive salary. That seemed to be the issue at Juventus regarding his renewal, hence now being a free agent.<\/p>\n

Watkins\u2019 wages should be much lower than whatever Vlahovic requests, giving Chelsea yet another reason to select him over the Serbian.<\/p>\n

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