The cheeky Chelsea summer swap transfer deal that Aston Villa must avoid at all costs

We’ll always have that goal against the Netherlands. In one half-roll of a defender and a swing of his right boot, Ollie Watkins sent a nation into delirium, and made them believe that the improbable was possible. Now, as the dust continues to settle on England’s painful Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain, the striker will return home and to the weekly rigours of his domestic duties with Aston Villa.

Not if Chelsea get their way, however. According to Football Insider, the Blues are very interested in luring Watkins to Stamford Bridge this summer, and are ‘willing to push the boat out’ in their efforts to sign him. What does that boat pushing look like, exactly? Well, it would likely involve a huge wedge of cash, as well as the departure of Conor Gallagher.

It is no grand secret that Villa are long-time admirers of the midfielder, and have been touted for a prospective swoop of their own at various points already this summer. To that end, he would be a decent signing for Unai Emery’s side - an energetic, combative presence in the middle of the park with good experience of playing at the very highest level. But here’s the thing; if Gallagher’s arrival hinges solely on Watkins’ departure, then Villa should absolutely avoid it.

The notion of losing the 28-year-old at this juncture - after all he has contributed and on the eve of a Champions League campaign - is almost an unthinkable one. Last season, the forward registered 40 goal contributions in 53 outings across all competitions, including 19 strikes and 13 assists in 37 Premier League appearances. Indeed, taking into account the goals and assists that had a direct impact on the result of top flight matches last term, Watkins won his side around 20 points; without him, Villa would barely have finished in the top half, let alone the top four.

And that kind of attacking output cannot be taken for granted. Behind Watkins, Villa next top scorer was Leon Bailey, with 10 strikes. Behind the Jamaican, it was Douglas Luiz, and he’s already packed his bags for Juventus. In other words, Villa must do all they can to keep hold of their talismanic striker over the coming weeks, or face the untimely headache of finding a suitable replacement.

What’s more, there is nothing to suggest that they couldn’t still make their move for Gallagher without Watkins coming into the equation whatsoever. Chelsea are evidently open to an exit, and with the Blues already having spent £65 million or so in the market - and with no signs that they plan on slowing down any time soon - the chances are that a sale or two might be required if they are to balance the books and appease the gods of Financial Fair Play.

Ultimately, though, all of that is of secondary importance. The most significant thing right now is that Villa do their utmost to retain Watkins’ services this summer. If they don’t, next season could become a real slog, real fast.