BREAKING: A player worth £80 million has finally signed a four-year contract with Arsenal, with an option for additional seasons if the club wins the Champions League – Medical Today
Ollie Watkins has stated that he is “open” to the possibility of joining Arsenal prior to the transfer deadline, provided that Aston Villa yields and reaches an agreement with the Gunners.
According to reports, the future of England striker Watkins is likely to be one of the most talked about topics in the final few days of the transfer window. This is because Arsenal made a significant offer for him, which included a significant amount of money.
Arsenal made an official offer to Villa in the hopes of acquiring Watkins to bolster Mikel Arteta’s limited attacking options; however, they were unsuccessful in their attempt to acquire Watkins.
An improved offer is anticipated from the north London club, which is eyeing a first Premier League title since 2004 and a run in the Champions League. Watkins’ response to the transfer speculation has provided the club with a boost, and they are expected to make a better offer.
Watkins is reportedly interested in a move to the Emirates Stadium and would readily agree to terms with Arsenal in the event that they make a breakthrough in negotiations with Villa, as reported by the Daily Mail.
When Watkins was younger, he was a fan of Arsenal, and he stated earlier in his career that it is his “dream” to play for the Gunners.
A season-ending injury to Gabriel Jesus earlier this month would be a blow to Arsenal’s squad, which would be strengthened by the addition of the 29-year-old player.
It is highly likely that Watkins would immediately start replacing the current first-choice striker for Arsenal, Kai Havertz, who has struggled with consistency ever since he moved from Chelsea for £65 million.
Watkins, who is a member of England’s squad for the Euro 2024 tournament, has scored 81 goals in 201 appearances for Aston Villa. Of those goals, 27 were scored during the 2023-24 season, which was an extremely successful football season.
As Aston Villa finished their group campaign in the Champions League with an exciting victory over Celtic on Wednesday night, the former Brentford star added to his total of goals scored in the competition.
Watkins was offered to Aston Villa, but the club turned it down. This occurred before fellow striker Jhon Duran was getting close to making a lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League.
As a result of Duran’s impending departure, Unai Emery will be even more determined to keep hold of Watkins, and Aston Villa has not provided Arsenal with a fee that would cause them to change their position regarding the transfer of Watkins.
Nevertheless, according to The Telegraph, the owners of Villa Park privately value Watkins at more than £80 million. This indicates that Arsenal would need to make a substantial offer in order to even convince them to sell for that amount.
When asked about the rumours that have been circulating about Watkins following Villa’s victory over Celtic, Emery, who had previously worked for Arsenal, stated, “I do not want him to be sold.”
It’s encouraging to hear that other clubs have made offers to you. In the event that it is beneficial for the player, the club, and the team, every player has the ability to be in the market.
However, in order to secure this deal, it is inevitable that we will be very demanding, and Watkins is our number one striker.
Aston Villa will play their local rivals Wolves on Saturday, and Arsenal will play Manchester City this weekend. Both of these matches will take place before club managers are able to concentrate solely on the transfer deadline day on Monday.