Arsenal have reportedly learned that Aston Villa demand at least £60m for striker Ollie Watkins this summer.
The Gunners made a £40m bid to sign Watkins in the January transfer window, but Villa rejected it as they had just sold Jhon Duran to Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr. Arsenal are now looking to sign a striker this summer, and could go back after Watkins.
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RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko has been the most likely striker target for Arsenal so far this summer. However, he is expected to cost at least £70m, and no agreement has yet been made between the Gunners and the Bundesliga club.
Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres has also been linked. It has been reported that he prefers a move to Arsenal over a move to Manchester United, but it is not clear as to whether the Gunners will make a formal approach for him.
Aston Villa want £60m for Arsenal target Ollie Watkins
According to a report by Football London, Arsenal target Ollie Watkins is set to cost £60m this summer, as that is the price that Aston Villa have set on the 29-year-old.
The report says that Watkins was keen on the idea of a move to the Emirates as he is a boyhood Gunners fan, however, the £40m bid that Arsenal placed on him in January wasn’t enough to tempt Villa to sell him.
Last season, the English international scored 16 goals and provided eight assists for Unai Emery’s side in the Premier League, and would be a solid striker option if Arteta decided against signing Sesko or Gyokeres.
Furthermore, Watkins’ proven Premier League record would likely make him less of a risky signing compared to their other targets. With Watkins open to a move to the Emirates, we could see Arsenal shift their attention back to towards the Aston Villa star this summer rather than the likes of Sesko.
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