Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins is keen to join Arsenal in the summer transfer window after his failed move in January, according to former scout Mick Brown, speaking to Football Insider.
The Gunners are likely to be in the market for a new centre-forward in the summer, with the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz struggling to hit the heights expected of them. Although competent strikers on their day, if the north London club want to be winning Premier League titles, it might not be enough.
Arsenal have been linked with signing a host of different strikers, and it appears clear that bringing one in is going to be one of their priorities. Mikel Arteta's side have gone another season without a trophy, so reinforcements will be necessary.
Watkins Wants to Join Arsenal
He's an Arsenal fan
Ollie Watkins
Speaking to Football Insider, former scout Brown has claimed that Aston Villa striker Watkins wants to join the Gunners when the summer transfer window opens. Brown adds that Arsenal have been interested for a long time, and they will be in the mix if he becomes available over the next few months...
“Watkins would be interested in a move to Arsenal. 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."
Ollie Watkins' Aston Villa Stats (2024/25 Premier League)
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GIVEMESPORT sources confirmed back in January that Arsenal made an approach to sign Watkins, believed to be in the region of £45m. The figure wasn't close to convincing Villa to part ways, especially after they offloaded backup striker Jhon Duran to Saudi Arabia.
Watkins, described as 'world-class', has previously confirmed that he is an Arsenal fan and it would be a 'dream' to play for the club. It certainly won't be easy to convince the Midlands outfit to part ways, especially after rejecting a £45m bid during the January transfer window.
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All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt - correct as of 08-05-2025