Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media
Mick Brown
Tue 6 May 2025 12:23, UK
Ollie Watkins wants to join Arsenal this summer amid ongoing speculation about his future at Aston Villa under Unai Emery.
That is according to former Villa and Man United scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 29-year-old is a key target for the Gunners this summer.
Mikel Arteta wants to add an out-and-out striker to his squad, while the Villa man has grown disillusioned amid uncertainty surrounding his place at Villa Park.
This comes after Football Insider exclusively revealed on 2 May that Arsenal want to sign Watkins and will reignite their interest after missing out in January.
Villa knocked back a £50million bid from the Gunners in the mid-season window, but are now believed to be more open to the striker’s departure.
Football Insider revealed Villa could accept £50-60million offers for Watkins this summer, which would allow them to activate Marcus Rashford’s buy clause.
Ollie Watkins Aston Villa 3
Ollie Watkins is a transfer target for Arsenal this summer. (Credit: Imago)
MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES
Arsenal plot Ollie Watkins swoop after Aston Villa latest
Brown told Football Insider in February that Watkins is open to joining Arsenal as he feels he could become the main man in a title-winning side.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that the Gunners are “definitely” among clubs keeping an eye on his situation.
“*Watkins would be interested in a move to Arsenal,*” he told Football Insider.
“He was an Arsenal fan as a youngster and feels he could become their main centre-forward.
“From an Arsenal point of view, they’ve been interested in him for a long time and of course they made that offer for him in January which was turned down.
“If he is going to be available this summer, as has been suggested, they’ll definitely be in the mix.
“He’s been in and out of the team recently at Villa, that’s what’s led to the talk about him looking to move on because he wants to play regular football.
“If they want to bring Rashford in permanently, the I expect he could be allowed to leave.
“It will have to be an offer that’s right for Villa though, so that comes down to whether Arsenal are willing to meet whatever his asking price may be.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta wants to bolster his Arsenal squad. (Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)
Real Madrid plot William Saliba swoop as ‘alarm bells ringing’
Amid talk about potential incoming signings at the Emirates, there are growing concerns that William Saliba could be on his way out this summer.
Football Insider revealed on 5 May that Arsenal are concerned about Real Madrid’s interest in the centre-back as he has just two years remaining on his contract.
Sources say “alarm bells are ringing” at the London club as they fight to tie Saliba down long term, with Madrid’s interest unlikely to go away.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider that Real Madrid want to sign Saliba this summer and are prepared to make a move for him as one of their top targets.
For more Arsenal and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.
Related Posts