Arsenal are being strongly linked with a move for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, with a reported £40 million bid potentially enough to seal a deal.
The 30-year-old has emerged as a genuine transfer target for the Gunners, who have been monitoring his situation alongside Manchester United and Fenerbahce.
Watkins has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most consistent and dependable strikers during his time at Villa Park.
According to The Sun, both Arsenal and Manchester United are keeping close tabs on the England international as the summer window progresses.
Despite interest from Old Trafford, a move to Arsenal would hold particular significance for Watkins, who has been an open and self-confessed Gunners supporter throughout his career.
When he was still a Brentford player, Watkins made his allegiances clear, saying: “I’m an Arsenal fan, so Thierry Henry was my [idol]. He’s unbelievable to watch. He was the idol growing up really.”
He revisited those sentiments after scoring against Arsenal for Villa, saying: “I’m not sure my grandad or uncle Baz are going to be too happy. They are Arsenal fans and I am an Arsenal fan myself, but I’m buzzing. I am sure they will love it really. I am over the moon.”
Those comments have followed Watkins throughout his career and suggest that, given a straight choice between Arsenal and Manchester United, he would favour a move to the Emirates.
Arsenal’s primary focus this summer appears to be landing Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez, with a cash-plus-player deal involving Viktor Gyokeres reportedly being considered as part of a potential package.
However, with Atletico digging their heels in over Alvarez, the Gunners could switch their attention to Watkins as a proven and more attainable alternative.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has repeatedly fielded questions about Watkins’ future, previously stating: “I don’t want [to sell]. It is good news to have offers from other clubs. We want to keep our sporting objective through the players we have in the squad.”
Emery added: “Every player can be in the market if it is good for the player and the club. To get this deal, we are going to be demanding. Watkins is our striker.”
The Villa boss also noted: “We are working, the club is working and trying to compete in the transfer window because we need some players. Some can leave, but it is not the time to speak about it.”
Despite those protective words, Villa have faced mounting pressure to comply with financial fair play regulations, even after securing Champions League qualification.
That financial context means a departure for Watkins cannot be ruled out, and Arsenal appear well-positioned to capitalise if Villa ultimately decide to sell.
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