Chelsea ‘closely observing’ Wilson as new Premier League club registers interest

West Ham and Chelsea are closely observing Newcastle’s Callum Wilson, according to reports.

The Daily Mail has stated that, although discussions are yet to progress, the striker is very much admired by clubs in London.

It’s thought that Chelsea are exploring short-term solutions to their season but expresses a preference for securing Napoli’s Victor Osimhen in the upcoming summer.

West Ham have injuries affecting Jarrod Bowen, Lucas Paqueta, Mohammed Kudus, and Michail Antonio at the beginning of the year. Similarly, Chelsea are grappling with injuries. The report stresses that no talks are underway as of yet but their interest is there.

Mauricio Pochettino is looking at a short-term deal for Wilson but his real ambition is securing Osimhen in the summer transfer window.

Wilson’s contract with Newcastle is set to expire in 2025 and a price tag of £18million has been slapped on him.. The striker, who joined the Magpies in 2020 from Bournemouth, has notched 46 goals in 102 appearances.

This campaign, he has scored eight goals in 20 appearances – his latest goal occurring in Newcastle’s Carabao Cup defeat against Chelsea in December.

Will Callum Wilson move to Chelsea?

It comes after FootballTransfers exclusively broke the news that Chelsea were keen on Wilson amid his £18m price tag.

The Magpies are in need of reinforcements in midfield but are currently hamstrung by Financial Fair Play rules.

Joelinton looks like it’s out for the rest of the season, while Sandro Tonali, brought in over the summer, has been banned after breaching gambling rules. The club have Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon who can play centrally on the forward line.

Eddie Howe recently spoke about the future of Wilson at a press conference. The former Bournemouth coach said: “He’s 100 percent committed. No part of him is looking elsewhere. He’s got big ambitions and we want to keep him here. But some things are out of our control. Let’s see what happens.”