Arsenal seem likeliest to sign one of two strikers at this stage of the summer.
The Gunners have spoken to Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig – a forward who is said to have “universal backing” upstairs at the Emirates Stadium – while Arsenal have also held talks with Viktor Gyokeres after the Swede netted 54 goals in 52 games last season.
Arsenal are allegedly progressing with both deals before making a decision, just in case one collapses.
Now, however – according to The Athletic – there is another striker on the scene in Ollie Watkins.
Arsenal could still sign Ollie Watkins after January saga
The Aston Villa No.11 remains an option for Andrea Berta, Director of Football at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal bid £60m for Watkins in January after losing Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus to serious injuries, although the situation fizzled out as Aston Villa opted to sell Jhon Duran instead.
Ollie WATKINS!!! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/MHo67rFDTP
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 14, 2024
The Athletic believe the England international remains under discussion internally at Arsenal, although there are reservations over his potential price tag, after a fee of over £60m was demanded last winter following that opening bid.
Watkins – who Aston Villa signed from Brentford for £33m back in September 2020 – scored 17 goals and provided 14 assists in 54 appearances across all competitions last season.
Ollie Watkins has already said he would love to join Arsenal
The man from Torquay could well push for a move to north London this summer, as he has previously admitted to supporting the Gunners and wanting a switch to the Emirates Stadium.
Watkins shared his love for Arsenal back in 2020, with Football London quoting him as saying: “I used to (support Arsenal). I grew up supporting Arsenal.”
EVERY OLLIE WATKINS GOAL IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE 🤯
ALL 7️⃣5️⃣ 💪 pic.twitter.com/Ka8el5MDoq
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) May 10, 2025
The 29-year-old added: “That’s the dream, to play for Arsenal one day, but, you know, it’s a long shot.”
In the context of recruitment, Watkins is considerably older than both Sesko and Gyokeres – who are 22 and 26 respectively – although he represents the most proven of the three in English football, so you can understand why he remains on the radar at Arsenal.