Mikel Arteta, Arsenal, Ollie Watkins, Aston Villa
(Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media, Imago)
Mick Brown
Mon 30 June 2025 12:19, UK
Arsenal are preparing to make a fresh bid to sign Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins as one of their key striker targets this summer.
That is according to former Man United and Aston Villa scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 29-year-old is interested in joining Arsenal and wants to discuss terms.
While his priority is to play regular football ahead of the World Cup, the England international believes he could do so at the Emirates in a title-challenging side.
This comes after Football Insider revealed that Aston Villa are willing to sell Watkins and hoped to do so before the 30 June financial deadline to raise funds.
However, missing that deadline is not expected to change the striker’s future as the Gunners are unlikely to make a move in the immediate future.
Instead, the Gunners are prioritising other targets after Football Insider exclusively revealed that Benjamin Sesko is keen to join Arsenal despite delays in talks.
Ollie Watkins Aston Villa
Ollie Watkins is still a key target for Arsenal. (Credit: Imago)
MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES
Arsenal make Ollie Watkins plan after Aston Villa decision
Brown told Football Insider in May that Aston Villa will accept offers for Watkins and view the striker as a sellable asset to raise funds and invest elsewhere.
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, has insisted that Mikel Arteta is a fan of the striker and all parties are keen to agree a deal.
“Arsenal are still interested in Ollie Watkins,” he told Football Insider.
“From what I hear, he’s keen to make that move to Arsenal because he supported them as a boy.
“Mikel Arteta wants to sign a striker and appreciates what Watkins can do, so it’s a move that looks like it would be best for all parties.
“It doesn’t always work that way, but it’s a move everybody is keen to get over the line.
“He wants to play regular football in the coming season to make sure he’s in the England squad for the World Cup next summer.
“From what I hear, he’s prepared to take the chance of going to Arsenal and become their number nine.
“I think he’s got a good chance of establishing himself there because he would go in as the best option in his position in a side who want to win the league.
“The only issue at the moment is that Arsenal are still considering a number of players for that position.
“I think Watkins will be one they go for if they miss out on somebody else, so it’s not a move which is going to happen in the next few days for example.
“That might not be ideal for Villa and their financial situation.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta is keen to strengthen up front. (Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)
Viktor Gyokeres update emerges after Man United verdict
Alongside both Watkins and Sesko, Arsenal are considering a third option at centre-forward in the form of Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres.
Brown told Football Insider that Man United are considering other options after Gyokeres made clear his desire to join Arsenal ahead of the Red Devils.
Football Insider revealed on 13 June that Gyokeres is the dream target for Man United and have been working hard to reach an agreement over the move.
However, there is now an acceptance that the striker would prefer to join Arsenal despite his relationship with Amorim and they will switch their focus elsewhere.
Related Posts