Aston Villa have lost several key players this summer and could be set to lose another as their Premier League rivals are circling again
Manchester United and Arsenal are reportedly keeping an eye on Ollie Watkins this summer (Image: (Photo by Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images))
Manchester United and Arsenal are reportedly keeping a close eye on Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins after the Europa League winners turned down an approach from Turkish side Fenerbahce.
The Turkish side are said to have been planning to bid £35 million for the England international, but Villa have made it clear they will not accept that bid.
The Sun claims that several clubs in England and Europe are keen to sign Watkins this summer. Fenerbahce were hoping to offer the 30-year-old a three-year deal worth £7.5 million and an annual salary of £8.5 million.
Villa have made their stance on the Turkish side clear, but Arsenal and United are interested in signing Watkins in a bid to reinvigorate their attack, and £40m could be enough to lure Villa into negotiations.
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Arsenal are expected to sell Gabriel Jesus this summer, with the Brazilian forward attracting interest from Serie A side AC Milan, with the Gunners reportedly considering Watkins the ideal replacement.
As for United, there have been rumors of a return to Italy for Joshua Zirksee, with Juventus keen to sign the former Bologna striker, who had a good run in Serie A before moving to Old Trafford.
Joshua Zirkzee is one of the players who could leave Manchester United this summer. (Image: Ash Donnellon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Reports earlier this week claimed that the Dutch international had given his approval to Juventus ahead of talks with United, but as things stand, no talks are taking place between the clubs.
AS Roma are also said to be keen to sign Zirksee this summer, with The Sun suggesting Michael Carrick’s side are expected to make a formal approach to sign Watkins if United decide to let the 25-year-old go.
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Villa are in a difficult financial position this summer as they are aware they will have to sell players to comply with UEFA regulations.
United took advantage of the £35m release clause in Youri Tielemans’ Villa contract to sign the Belgian international, while PSG are in talks to re-sign Lucas Digne.
Villa will receive an estimated £45m for these two transfers, while they have also signed Swiss star Johan Manzambi for a similar amount.
They also approved the sale of Morgan Rodgers for a club-record £117m, with Chelsea beating Arsenal to sign him.
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