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Football London
Football London
Sport
Kwame Boakye

Chelsea urged to consider deals for Steven Gerrard's key duo in Aston Villa summer raid

Former Aston Villa striker Stan Collymore has urged Chelsea to consider Danny Ings or Ollie Watkins if they opt to sign a striker this summer. The Blues are expected to be in the market for another forward with question marks over Romelu Lukaku’s future after an underwhelming first season back at the club.

Borussia Dortmund talisman Erling Haaland has been linked with a move to Chelsea, as has Tottenham striker Harry Kane. And Kylian Mbappe will almost certainly become of interest when his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires in the summer.

However, Collymore believes Ings and Watkins should also be considered. The former Villa striker is adamant that either player would thrive at Stamford Bridge because of the vast amount of chances Thomas Tuchel’s side create in matches.

READ MORE: Why Thomas Tuchel raged at Jorginho as Chelsea boss continues epic record in Crystal Palace win

"They should be looking for a 22-year-old or 23-year-old somewhere in Europe," Collymore said. "If not, then maybe Watkins, or even his Villa strike partner Ings, if they're happy to go older.

"Because that kind of player would score 20 to 25 goals in that team and those goals would take Chelsea a big, big step closer to what they want to achieve.

"The question now will be: 'Do the new owners want to compete?' "If they do, then with players coming through and with Conor Gallagher back off loan, the future could be a bright one for the Blues."

Watkins shone for Villa last season with 16 goals in all competitions, however, he has struggled this term with just eight to his name thus far. And Ings’ Villa career is yet to ignite following his move from Southampton last summer, netting just five times in 25 appearances.

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