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Arsenal remain keen on signing Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins

By on July 1, 2025

Ollie Watkins Aston Villa

Arsenal reportedly remain keen on signing Aston Villa ace Ollie Watkins, as per transfer expert Mike Brown.

The Gunners want a new striker this summer and have been heavily linked with RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP superstar Viktor Gyokeres.

However, on Football Insider, Brown says that Arsenal remain keen on signing Watkins, and the player is open to moving to the Emirates Stadium as he is a childhood fan of the North London club.

However, Watkins isn’t at the top of Arteta’s wishlist, and they will only make a move for him should they eventually fail to secure their primary targets’ service.

Brown said:

“Arsenal are still interested in Ollie Watkins. From what I hear, he’s keen to make that move to Arsenal because he supported them as a boy. Mikel Arteta wants to sign a striker and appreciates what Watkins can do, so it’s a move that looks like it would be best for all parties.

“The only issue at the moment is that Arsenal are still considering a number of players for that position. I think Watkins will be one they go for if they miss out on somebody else, so it’s not a move which is going to happen in the next few days for example.”

Watkins to Arsenal

The Emirates club attempted to sign him in the winter window and submitted a formal proposal. But Aston Villa rejected the offer as they didn’t want to part ways with him in mid-season.

The 29-year-old is valued at around £34m by Transfermarkt and still has three years left in his current contract. Therefore, the Villans are in a strong position to demand a big fee for him.

Watkins has proven his goal-scoring prowess in the Premier League in recent years. After making 40 goal contributions in all competitions a couple of seasons ago, he provided 31 goals and assists across all tournaments last term.

He is a talented player and hasn’t had injury problems, so he would be a shrewd acquisition for Arsenal should they eventually manage to secure his service in this transfer window.

However, it has been suggested that Manchester United are also interested in the Englishman as a potential replacement for Rasmus Hojlund, who endured a dire campaign last term.

So, it is going to be interesting to see where Watkins ends up if he eventually leaves Villa Park before the start of next season.