via Reuters
It's been an impressive summer for Arsenal. Without really lifting a finger, the Gunners look to have assembled an impressive squad for the 2026/27 campaign.
The North London outfit spent £35 million on Club Brugge star Christos Tzolis and it didn't take too much pushing for Newcastle United to open the door for star man Bruno Guimaraes to make the switch to the capital.
Ezri Konsa looks to be on his way from Aston Villa to provide some welcome back-up in defence and last weekend's 3-0 romp over Manchester City points to a side in fine fettle. However, there is one man who could be the cherry on the cake for Arsenal.
Aston Villa star is boyhood Arsenal fan
Ollie Watkins Calls Arne Slot's Liverpool 'Disjointed' After Aston Villa Win
Ollie Watkins Calls Arne Slot's Liverpool 'Disjointed' After Aston Villa Win
It's not a new name to be linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium either. Ollie Watkins has been floated as a potential option for years, largely due to his boyhood love of the club, with the club making a bid for his services in January 2025.
All the way back in 2020, when first making an impression at Aston Villa following his £28 million move from Brentford, Watkins admitted: "That’s the dream to play for Arsenal one day, but you know, it’s a longshot."
That season, Watkins bagged a brace for the Villans at the Emirates Stadium and admitted that his grandfather and uncle wouldn't be 'too happy' about his performance. He added: "They are Arsenal fans and I am an Arsenal fan myself - but I’m buzzing. I am sure they will love it really. I am over the moon."
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Ollie Watkins record against Arsenal
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Those words are of significance this week, with Watkins linked with an exit from Villa Park. There is fierce competition to lead the line under Unai Emery, with Tammy Abraham and Brian Madjo also options.
The England international was rumoured to be keen on a new venture last summer, but stuck around in the Midlands and ended up with a Europa League winners medal. This summer, it could be a different story.
Arsenal must consider Ollie Watkins hijack
Ollie Watkins Aston Villa
Saudi bankrollers Al Hilal are reported to have seen a £38.5 million bid for Watkins rejected from Aston Villa this week. However, with the player reportedly keen on a move to the Middle East, more offers are expected.
It's food for thought for Arsenal. The Gunners have been linked with forwards Vinicius Jr and Morgan Rogers this window, but have not landed those targets. Arteta seems to be in the market for an extra attacking reinforcement.
For a fee of around £40 million, Watkins would be a steal. The talisman is proven in the Premier League and offers something different to Arsenal. Where Viktor Gyokeres is a bullish poacher and Kai Havertz a wily midfielder-turned-striker, Watkins is pacey and direct.
It's clear that the Aston Villa man would not say no to Arsenal and the club should be heavily considering a Saudi transfer hijack.