BREAKING: Deal getting closer as Ollie Watkins makes Arsenal transfer decision as Aston Villa’s valuation is revealed
Ollie Watkins is ‘open’ to joining Arsenal before the transfer deadline if Aston Villa back down and agree a deal with the Gunners.
The future of England striker Watkins looks set to be one of the biggest talking points in the final few days of the transfer window after he was the subject of a big-money offer from Arsenal.
Arsenal submitted an official bid to Villa, hoping for Watkins to bolster Mikel Arteta’s depleted attacking options, but were knocked back.
The north London club, eyeing a first Premier League title since 2004 and a run in the Champions League, are expected to make an improved bid and have been buoyed by Watkins’ response to the transfer speculation.
According to the Daily Mail, Watkins is interested in a move to the Emirates Stadium and would readily agree terms with Arsenal should they make a breakthrough in talks with Villa.
Watkins supported Arsenal growing up and revealed earlier in his career that it is his ‘dream’ to play for the Gunners.
The 29-year-old would strengthen an Arsenal squad that lost Gabriel Jesus to a season-ending injury earlier in the month.
Watkins would likely immediately displace current first-choice Arsenal striker Kai Havertz, who has struggled with consistency since his £65m move from Chelsea.
A member of England’s Euro 2024 squad, Watkins has scored 81 goals in 201 appearances for Aston Villa, with 27 of those coming during a hugely impressive 2023-24 campaign.
The ex-Brentford star added to his tally on Wednesday night as Aston Villa concluded their Champions League group campaign with an entertaining win over Celtic.
Aston Villa rejected an offer for Watkins before fellow striker Jhon Duran was closing in on a big-money move to the Saudi Pro League.
Duran’s imminent departure will make Unai Emery even more desperate to keep hold of Watkins and Aston Villa have not indicated to Arsenal a fee that would change their transfer stance.
However, according to The Telegraph, Villa Park bosses privately value Watkins at more than £80m, meaning it would take a huge bid from Arsenal to even convince them to sell.
Addressing the speculation surrounding Watkins after Villa beat Celtic, Emery – formerly of Arsenal – said: ‘I don’t want him to be sold.
‘It’s good news to have offers from other clubs. Every player can be in the market in case it’s good for the player, club and the team.
‘But to get this deal, of course we are going to be very demanding and Watkins is our striker.’
Aston Villa face local rivals Wolves on Saturday while Arsenal take on Manchester City this weekend before club bosses can focus entirely on Monday’s transfer deadline day.
