Arsenal revisiting their interest in Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins this summer cannot be completely ruled out, according to the latest reports.
The Gunners were rumoured to have made a move for the 29-year-old during the January transfer window following long-term injuries to both Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz. However, a deal failed to materialise, and Mikel Arteta instead made do with his existing squad, which included occasionally pushing midfielder Mikel Merino further forward.
Now that the summer transfer window is open, Arsenal are once again stepping up their search for attacking reinforcements. The likes of Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres have been linked, with the former reportedly top of Arsenal's shortlist as they explore a deal for the Slovenia international.
However, the latest report from The Telegraph claims the north London club could face competition from Saudi Arabia for Sesko, with two clubs said to have expressed interest. The article adds that the player’s preference is to continue his career in Europe, but the riches of the Saudi Pro League could drive up the price for the 22-year-old.
The report also mentions Watkins, noting that a move for the Villa star is considered highly unlikely but cannot be dismissed entirely given the unpredictability of the current striker market. Watkins last signed an extension at Villa Park in 2023, and his current deal runs until 2028, with the Midlands club reportedly seeking a fee of £50–£60 million this summer.
Watkins scored 17 goals and registered assists across 54 appearances in all competitions last season. While it wasn’t quite his most prolific campaign in front of goal for Villa since joining from Brentford in 2020, it was nonetheless a strong showing from the striker.
Other Premier League clubs, including Manchester United and Chelsea, have also been linked with Watkins in recent months, but it remains to be seen whether any of them firm up their interest. Some sections of the media suggest Villa’s outgoing business this summer will be key to ensuring compliance with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability (PSR) rules.
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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