A prolonged period free of injuries for Callum Wilson, has enabled the striker to show his full qualities at the top level of English football.
His start to the 2018/19 Premier League campaign impressed England manager Gareth Southgate enough to persuade him to hand him his first international cap, becoming the first AFC Bournemouth player to ever start a game for England. Wilson then went on to score on his debut.
That form has continued for the Cherries with 9 goals and 5 assists in 20 games so far this season, his best return since the promotion campagin in 2015.
But that’s not at all surprising considering his injury record since hitting the top flight of English football.
In September 2015, he suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.
Wilson would return to fitness in April 2016, only to suffer a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in February 2017.
Despite spending a combined total of around 15 months on the sidelines with the two knee injuries, he had still netted 19 times in 61 appearances and was rewarded with a new four-year contract in the summer.
Shortly after signing that new deal it looks as if Chelsea have been keeping a watchful eye on Wilson and have been heavily linked with a January transfer window move.
Chelsea confirm Wilson interest as Howe states his future is with Bournemouth
Back in 2015, shortly after the Cherries promotion to the Premier League, Howe travelled to Italy to meet up with Sarri to ‘observe his working methods’.
Now Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri, has always been quiet on the subject of Wilson, appearing to be very polite due to the apparent friendship between himself and Howe, it is clear though, if reports are accurate, that Chelsea’s interest is strengthening.
According to Sky Sports, Chelsea could be willing to pay up to £50million to land Wilson, if they fail to bring first choice target Gonzalo Higuain to to Stamford Bridge.
#CFC willing to pay up to £50m for #AFCB's Callum Wilson – if they fail to convince Gonzalo Higuain to come to Stamford Bridge.
???? Follow all of today's transfer news: https://t.co/ypyw0pJ0Ht pic.twitter.com/74WLZWRylL
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 9, 2019
Would that be enough to tempt the Cherries to sell someone who they signed from Coventry in 2014 for a reported fee of £2.25million?
Dean Jones, who describes himself as a “Football Insider for Bleacher Report” told his 47,000 followers on Twitter that AFC Bournemouth could be asking for close to £70million.
Was suggested to me today that if Chelsea want Callum Wilson they'll have to pay upwards of £50m… Possibly even up to £70m!
— Dean Jones (@DeanJonesBR) January 8, 2019
Your say…
davygravy wrote…
If it really did go to the 50m mark, I would be seriously thinking about going for it. I love Callum but think that is a case of cashing out at a premium moment. And I am sure we could cover him with what we have, assuming Solanke really is a month away. But we could also get a couple of very decent players in across the pitch too. Very tempting. – Join the conversation, click here.