Ollie Watkins transfer news: Reports from The Sun suggest Manchester United and Arsenal are watching Ollie Watkins closely. United want to make a formal move, but everything hinges on Joshua Zirkzee leaving for Serie A first. It is a domino effect. One deal has to drop before the next can even start.
Watkins was brilliant in the 2025/26 season, helping Villa win the Europa League, their first major European trophy in decades. He scored 21 goals in all competitions, including 16 in the Premier League from 37 matches. He played 2,852 league minutes, set up three goals, and averaged 0.50 goals every 90 minutes. That placed him 21st among all top-flight outfield players. He finished as the club’s top scorer in every competition. On paper, you cannot replace him.
Ollie Watkins transfer news: Manchester United eye Watkins move as Zirkzee dominoes align
Reports from TEAMtalk suggest Villa might actually entertain offers if they can land a replacement like Samu Omorodion, who has been linked as a Jhon Durán successor target. Money is tight at Villa Park, so an offer around £40m could force their hand.
That fee seems low for a man who hit 19 league goals back in 2023/24. Ever since joining from Brentford in September 2020, he has reached double figures every single year. With 91 league goals, he is Villa’s all-time leading scorer in the Premier League.
Lifting the Europa League trophy changed things, though. Villa secured Champions League football through UEFA coefficient rankings, which gives them plenty of leverage. They do not have to sell anyone. Yet football finance is rarely simple, and forty million for a player who turned thirty might be too good to turn down if they need cash to rebuild.
Arsenal join the race
Arsenal are in the mix as well. The Gunners are currently trying to sign Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid, but they are keeping tabs on Watkins as a backup plan. Whether that is genuine interest or just a clever distraction is hard to say.
What we do know is two massive clubs are chasing the exact same striker. Proven, reliable goalscorers are rare right now, and Villa hold all the cards. Meanwhile, Watkins is away with England at the 2026 World Cup, keeping his name in the headlines every time he steps onto the pitch.
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£40m is an absolute bargain for a player of his calibre. He won a major European title, scores every other game, and works his socks off for ninety minutes. Selling him at that price would be a massive gift to United or Arsenal. United need Zirkzee out the door first, though. Until that happens, everything stays on ice.