BREAKING: Ollie Watkins have finally signed contract agreement to join Arsenal this week,£60m agreed between the two parties,Player to wear Iconic jersey number – Congratulations Arsenal fans
BREAKING: Ollie Watkins have finally signed contract agreement to join Arsenal this week,£60m agreed between the two parties,Player to wear Iconic jersey number – Congratulations Arsenal fans
In the dying embers of the January transfer window, it was reported that Arsenal attempted to sign Ollie Watkins.
The Aston Villa striker was eyed by Mikel Arteta during the winter market, however, a deal could not be struck.
Villa were unimpressed by Arsenal’s bid for Watkins, which was understood to be in the region of £40m.
As the Gunners’ hunt for a striker continues, Andrea Berta will be wary of the Gunners’ past interest in the Englishman, who dreams of playing for Arsenal.
Arsenal’s summer transfer stance on Ollie Watkins
Growing up as a boyhood Arsenal fan, the 29-year-old was denied his dream move to North London mid-way through the 2024/25 season.
Since then, Watkins has grown unhappy with Unai Emery due to a lack of game time, which has added to speculation regarding his future at Villa Park.
Though David Ornstein believes Arsenal’s interest in Watkins has sailed, a fresh report suggests that the England striker is still on Arteta’s watchlist.
In The Athletic’s transfer deal sheet, Watkins to Arsenal was touched upon, crediting the striker as being a name ‘under discussion’ at the Emirates, behind the likes of Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres.
Despite Sesko and Gyokeres being Arsenal’s top targets in the position, Watkins remains in the frame, however, there is one stumbling block the Gunners have with the Villa star.
The Athletic report that while ‘Watkins has not been discounted entirely’, Arsenal are expected to have the ‘same reservations’ on the price tag Emery and Monchi have on the forward’s head.
£40m was not enough to lure the Premier League ace to N5 in January, and given that only one bid was submitted, it’s not thought that Arsenal would be prepared to improve the offer.
Suitability of Watkins transfer hangs on price tag
Ending the season as the Premier League’s seventh-highest scorer, Watkins maintained his status as one of England’s most clinical forwards.
The 29-year-old scored 16 league goals in 2024/25, which was seven more than any Arsenal player managed.
Though the numbers point at Watkins being an upgrade on Arteta’s current number nine options, there’s a lot to consider, particularly when it comes to his price tag.
Watkins will turn 30 shortly after the 2025/26 season starts, which for most players signals the years past their prime.
While there’s nothing to suggest that the Englishman has surpassed his best years, spending a significant amount on a player that can’t be considered part of a long-term project would be incredibly underwhelming.
That being said, if Arsenal can land Watkins for a price slimmer than the £40m mark, a deal could be worthwhile, but not as a lone striker signing.
