Manchester United Head Coach and Manager Ruben Amorim looks at the crowd ahead of the match between Manchester United and ASEAN All Stars at Bukit Jalil National Stadium on May 28, 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.placeholder image
Manchester United Head Coach and Manager Ruben Amorim looks at the crowd ahead of the match between Manchester United and ASEAN All Stars at Bukit Jalil National Stadium on May 28, 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. | Manchester United via Getty Imag
Man United have been linked to a striker whom Arsenal bid on in the January transfer window.
Manchester United are looking to bolster their front line this summer by signing a striker, despite the fact that they already added Matheus Cunha from Wolves for a fee of £62.5 million earlier in the transfer window.
However, it has now been reported that the Red Devils have another striker in mind who they have not been linked to previously, which would create a blockbuster transfer in the Premier League for an England international.
Man United keen on Ollie Watkins
In somewhat of a surprising update, it has emerged that the Red Devils are keen on Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, who was subject to a bid from Arsenal in the January transfer window.
The Gunners aren’t expected to come back in with another offer for Watkins, potentially leaving the path clear for United to go after him. Reported by Spanish outlet Fichajes, a Watkins to United move is beginning to ‘gain traction’ at Old Trafford, and could be more and more likely.
The report says that the 29-year-old’s future at Villa Park has been plunged into doubt because Unai Emery decided to prioritise Marcus Rashford over Watkins in his starting XI during Rashford’s short-term loan to the Midlands-based club.
Despite this, Watkins remained one of the better strikers in the Premier League last season. He made a total of 54 appearances for Aston Villa in all competitions, scoring 17 goals and providing 14 assists.
There is no release clause in Watkins’ contract, and also no reported asking price, however, Arsenal’s bid was estimated to be around £45m according to Telegraph Sport, despite initial reports suggesting that it was £60m. With that in mind, the Red Devils may need to fork out over £60m to sign Watkins, to tempt Villa to sell the England international.
Man United could make a serious Aston Villa raid
Ollie Watkins isn’t the only Aston Villa player that Man United have been linked to in recent weeks, as goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is also reportedly a target for the Red Devils, who are looking to replace Andre Onana this summer after a poor season for the Cameroon international.
Martinez is reportedly expected to command a transfer fee of as low as £16m for the 32-year-old, who has four years left on his contract at Villa Park. Last season, he made 53 appearances for Emery’s side, conceding 61 goals and keeping 16 clean sheets. There is no doubt that he’s one of the best in the Premier League.
It has been reported this week that Martinez wants a move to Man United, and that he has rejected multiple approaches from other clubs in order to force his ‘dream’ move to Old Trafford. As things stand, Man United could raid Villa and bring in both Watkins and Martinez.
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