Ollie Watkins
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal are reportedly preparing a fresh approach for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, reigniting interest in a player who has long been open about his admiration for the Gunners.
The North London club attempted to sign the England international during the January transfer window but failed to get a deal over the line. At the time, Watkins, 29, was not viewed as a primary target, with Arsenal focusing their efforts on RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres.
However, a new report from Portuguese outletRecord claims Watkins is now firmly back on Arsenal’s radar, as negotiations with Sporting Lisbon over Gyökeres continue to stall. The Gunners are said to have had two bids for the Swedish striker rejected, the latest worth £60 million, with Sporting holding out for a higher fee.
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Frustrated by the lack of progress, Arsenal are now exploring alternative options. Both Šeško and Watkins are reportedly being considered again, with Watkins viewed as a potentially more affordable and Premier League-proven solution.
Arsenal - Ollie Watkins
Ollie Watkins (Image credit: Getty Images)
Watkins has previously made no secret of his desire to one day play for Arsenal. Speaking at the London Football Awards in March 2020, the striker described joining the Gunners as “the dream.”
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“I’m an Arsenal fan and Thierry Henry was unbelievable to watch – he was my idol growing up,” Watkins said. “That’s the dream: to play for Arsenal. It’s a long shot, only because my family support them and stuff like that, but that is the long-term dream.”
The timing of Arsenal’s renewed interest could be ideal. Watkins enjoyed another strong campaign with Aston Villa, but the club has already moved to sell Colombian striker Jhon Durán to Saudi side Al-Nassr in a £70 million deal. Durán could now return to the Premier League on loan, potentially freeing up Watkins for a transfer.
With Arsenal expected to finally add a new No. 9 this summer, Watkins may find the opportunity to lead the line at his boyhood club hard to resist. His Premier League experience, proven goal-scoring record, and deep-rooted connection to the club make him an attractive alternative as Arsenal look to bolster their attack ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
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