Manchester United have been linked with a summer move for Ollie Watkins
Ollie Watkins
Ollie Watkins has made no secret of his dream move(Image: Getty Images)
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Ollie Watkins' dream transfer is well known amid speculation linking the Aston Villa striker with Manchester United.
Watkins, one of the Premier League's most consistent goalscorers, is again being linked with a move away from Villa Park. According to The Sun, United and Arsenal are monitoring the 30-year-old, who has recently been the subject of a rejected £30m offer from Turkish giants Fenerbahce.
With Joshua Zirkzee potentially on his way to Serie A, United could soon have a vacancy for a striker. Watkins would be a proven option and there are suggestions a bid of £40m could be enough to prise him away from Unai Emery's side.
But while the pull of United would be strong, the prospect of joining Arsenal would be especially enticing for Gunners fan Watkins. In quotes that have followed him ever since, Watkins, then of Brentford, once said: "I'm an Arsenal fan, so Thierry Henry was my [idol]. He's unbelievable to watch. He was the idol growing up really."
Watkins brought up his love of Arsenal again after scoring against them for Villa, saying: "I'm not sure my grandad or uncle Baz are going to be too happy. 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."
Therefore, if it came down to a straight choice between United or Arsenal, it's clear which way Watkins would sway. That said, while the Gunners are keeping an eye on his situation, their current priority appears to be signing Atletico Madrid's wantaway marksmen Julian Alvarez.
Ollie Watkins
Watkins' future is again being questioned(Image: Icon Sport via Getty Images)
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A cash-plus-player involving Viktor Gyokeres has been mooted. If Alvarez does join the Gunners, it could give United a free run at signing Watkins.
Emery has often fended off questions about his main striker. Speaking 18 months ago, the Spaniard said: "I don't want [to sell]. It is good news to have offers from other clubs. We want to keep our sporting objective through the players we have in the squad.
"Every player can be in the market if it is good for the player and the club. To get this deal, we are going to be demanding. Watkins is our striker.
Unai Emery, manager of Aston Villa
Unai Emery has addressed interest in Watkins(Image: Getty Images)
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"We are working, the club is working and trying to compete in the transfer window because we need some players. Some can leave, but it is not the time to speak about it."
Despite qualifying for the Champions League, Villa have been under pressure to comply with spending rules. Therefore, it would not be a huge surprise if they decide to cash in on Watkins, with United among the clubs waiting to pounce.