Exclusive: Arsenal plot new Ollie Watkins move..
Arsenal are planning to reignite their bid to sign Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
Villa knocked back a £50million offer from the London giants for their star striker, 29, in the January transfer window.
Watkins was then the undisputed attack leader for Unai Emery‘s side, but his status has been diminished since Marcus Rashford’s arrival on loan in January.
Watkins was overlooked in the starting XI for a string of key Villa matches, including the Champions League double-header against Paris Saint-Germain.
Arsenal shortlist Watkins for the summer window
That development has not gone unnoticed at Arsenal, who are in the market for a proven centre-forward this summer.
Watkins will be on their shortlist of targets as Mikel Arteta’s side look to revolutionise their attack in the off-season.
Appearances (Starts) 50 (39)
Minutes Played 3241
Goals 16
Assists 13
Yellow Cards 2
Watkins’ Aston Villa stats in the 2024-25 campaign (all competitions)
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The England international is expected to return to the starting lineup permanently at Aston Villa with Rashford set to miss the rest of the season through injury.
Watkins has hit 16 goals and contributed 13 assists in 50 appearances across all competitions this term.
The striker, who is out of contract at Villa in June 2028, recorded his best Premier League return last season – when he scored 19 goals and notched 15 assists.
Ollie Watkins Aston Villa 3
Watkins has hit 74 Premier League goals with Villa. (Credit: Imago)
Liverpool also in Watkins hunt
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed on 18 April that Liverpool are also closely monitoring Watkins’ situation at Aston Villa.
The Reds are looking at the Villa star as an alternative to Newcastle star Alexander Isak, who is set to be priced out of a summer move.
Liverpool are planning to sign a new out-and-out striker in the off-season despite winning the Premier League title this term.
Aston Villa exodus: Big names to be ‘sacrificed’ in mass overhaul..
Ollie Watkins and Leon Bailey are among a number of players who could leave Aston Villa this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that Unai Emery is aiming to upgrade his squad after their impressive performances in the Champions League.
There is a growing feeling that it will be a busy summer at Villa Park, with big names to be “sacrificed” to help balance the books and bring in new talent.
Speculation over Watkins’ future has grown after he made his feelings clear about being benched in favour of Marcus Rashford for the Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 21 April that Aston Villa will entertain Watkins’ sale should they receive offers of £50-60million.
Meanwhile, former Villa scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Liverpool, Man United, Chelsea and Arsenal are all keeping an eye on the 29-year-old’s situation.
Aston Villa to cash in on multiple first-team stars
Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson told Football Insider that Aston Villa could spend £200million this summer and are seeking ways to improve their situation.
However, with the threat of breaching the Premier League’s financial rules looming over them, there is a growing feeling they will have to sell before they can spend big.
Emery’s side are aiming for Champions League qualification to further boost their kitty, but remain three points shy of fifth place with far inferior goal differenc
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