Cole Palmer trying to persuade England teammate to join him at Chelsea this summer - Reports

Chelsea attacking midfielder Cole Palmer is reportedly trying to persuade England teammate Ollie Watkins to move to Stamford Bridge. As reported by Football Insider (via Shoot.co.uk), the 22-year-old has forged a strong relationship with Watkins and wants to bring him to west London.

Both Palmer and Watkins impressed in Euro 2024 for England despite not being regular starters under Gareth Southgate. Palmer scored one goal and provided one assist in five substitute appearances while Watkins scored once in three substitute appearances.

Palmer set up Watkins for England's late winner against the Netherlands in the semi-finals. As per the report, the Chelsea star wants to team up with Watkins at club level too because of his chemistry with the Aston Villa striker on and off the pitch.

Watkins enjoyed a phenomenal season for Aston Villa last time out, scoring 27 times and providing 13 assists in 53 appearances. The 27-year-old has been a key player for the Villans over the years having joined the Midlands club in 2020 from Brentford in a deal worth reported £33 million.

Chelsea are reportedly in the market for a new striker with Nicolas Jackson enduring a mixed debut season at Stamford Bridge. Christopher Nkunku also endured a difficult debut season at the club because of persistent injury problems.

Cole Palmer, on the other hand, established himself as a key player for Chelsea during his first season at the club. The England international joined the Blues in a deal worth £42.5 million and contributed with 27 goals and 15 assists in 48 games.

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Chelsea set to loan out player they signed for in 2023: Reports

Chelsea are reportedly considering a loan move away from the club for midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu. As claimed by Foot Mercato (via EPL Index), the Blues want to see the Frenchman get regular first-team football.

Ugochukwu joined the Blues last summer from Ligue 1 side Rennes in a deal worth €27 million. However, he endured a difficult debut season at Stamford Bridge.

The Frenchman struggled with persistent hamstring injuries during his first season at the club and made just 15 appearances. Enzo Maresca has no shortage of options in midfield and is understood to be looking to ship Ugochukwu out on loan.

Chelsea reportedly wanted to loan the 20-year-old out last summer too but Mauricio Pochettino was impressed with him during pre-season. Everton and an unnamed Ligue 1 side are reportedly keen on the France U21 international's signature.