Arsenal and Manchester United have both been linked with a move for Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins, with both Premier League clubs having a long-standing interest in the striker.
Ollie Watkins is reportedly a target for Arsenal (Image: Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Arsenal could strike a chord with Ollie Watkins and beat Manchester United in the race for his signature. Waktins, 30, has emerged as a target for both Premier League giants as the summer transfer window heats up.
The striker has not represented England at the World Cup, but has turned his focus back to club football now that the tournament is over. Aston Villa fended off interest from United last summer, but Arsenal had their £60m bid rejected in January 2025.
There are now reports that Watkins could be available for £40 million, with Turkish giants Fenerbahce also interested in signing him. He added that Villa are already preparing a possible replacement, Chelsea’s Nicholas Jackson, who spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich.
Arsenal are looking to sign a striker, with Julian Alvarez thought to be a top target. However, Watkins represents another proven option in the Premier League and has previously expressed an interest in joining the Gunners.
Follow the Arsenal FB page! For the latest Gunners news and details, visit our dedicated Facebook page.
“Yes, my dream is to play for Arsenal one day,” Watkins said in 2020 while playing for Brentford. “But you know, it’s a long journey.”
After joining Villa, Watkins scored in his first game against Arsenal. “I don’t know if my grandfather and uncle Buzz will be that happy,” he told Sky Sports after the match.
“They’re Arsenal fans and I’m an Arsenal fan myself, so I’m excited. I’m sure they’re going to really like it. I’m really happy.”
Should Arsenal sign Ollie Watkins? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
Manchester United’s interest in Ollie Watkins dates back to last summer (Image: Lee Parker – CameraSport via Getty Images)
Watkins performed well against the Gunners, scoring seven goals in 12 games against Mikel Arteta’s side. The 30-year-old has scored 16 goals in each of the last two Premier League seasons and helped Villa to a fourth-place finish in addition to winning the Europa League last season.
Despite continuing to have strong seasons at club level, Watkins only appeared in two World Cup matches, neither of which he started. He made a cameo appearance in England’s 2-0 win against Panama and came on in the second half as the Three Lions beat France 6-4, securing a third-place finish for Thomas Tuchel’s side.
Watkins has two years left on his contract with Villa. Since joining from Brentford in a £33m deal, he has scored 108 goals and provided 46 assists.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check it out whenever you like. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
