Ollie Watkins has been playing fantastically for Aston Villa, and there’s a chance he’ll be moving this summer as the striker has been linked to Liverpool.
Ollie Watkins has been linked with a move away from Aston Villa (Image: Chris Foxwell/ProSports/REX/Shutterstock)
Ollie Watkins, a prolific striker for Aston Villa, has previously acknowledged that, despite shaky recent ties to Liverpool, playing for Arsenal is his “dream.”
The England international just wrapped up an incredible season in which he helped Villa win a Champions League spot by scoring 27 goals and dishing out 13 assists. Numerous elite clubs are reportedly keeping an eye on him.
Liverpool is reportedly preparing a bid for Watkins this summer, according to The Sun, but Express Sport has learned that the Reds have no intention of trying to sign the striker.
However, Arsenal is searching for a sharpshooter to bolster their attack and rekindle their title hopes after losing to Manchester City in the recently concluded season.
The 28-year-old Watkins has never been shy about sharing his goals. At the London Football Awards in 2020, he acknowledged his affection for Arsenal while he was still at Brentford.
“To play for Arsenal is the goal one day. However, the odds are slim,” he disclosed.
“The only reason is that my family helps them and things like that. However, that’s a long-term objective.
Additionally, a photo showed Watkins looking thoughtful as his Villa teammates celebrated their qualification for the Champions League the following year.
After Manchester City defeated Tottenham, the Midlands team finished in fourth place. This was a major setback for Arsenal, which may account for Watkins’ expression.
Liverpool has opted not to compete for Crysencio Summerville, the Championship Player of the Year from Leeds United. It was reported that Chelsea and the Reds were fighting for the Dutchman’s signature.
The Whites’ chairman, Paraag Marathe, acknowledged that player exits from Elland Road might be imminent following their loss in the Championship play-off final, with Summerville probably drawing a lot of interest.
“We have the funds we need to do what we need, but there will need to be some trade-offs,” he said.
“Looking at scouting possibilities is just one aspect of it; there are also ins and outs, and we must weigh trade-offs. It’s too early to discuss individual players at this time.
“There are certain things we need to do and we’ll make sure we are fully compliant with P and S as we always have been,” he continued, elaborating on his plans for financial compliance. We’ll have to start over and figure out what deals we need to make.”
