Ollie Watkins makes Arsenal transfer decision as Aston Villa’s valuation is reveale
Ollie Watkins is ‘open’ to joining Arsenal before the transfer deadline if Aston Villa back down and agree a deal with the Gunners.
The future of England striker Watkins โปรโมชั่นพิเศษจาก UFABET สมัครตอนนี้ รับโบนัสทันที looks set to be one of the biggest talking points in the final few days of the transfer window after he was the subject of a big-money offer from Arsenal.
Arsenal submitte an official bid to Villa, hoping for Watkins to bolster Mikel Arteta’s deplete attacking options, but were knocke back.
The north London club, eyeing a first Premier League title since 2004 and a run in the Champions League, are expecte to make an improve bid and have buoye by Watkins’ response to the transfer speculation.
Watkins is intereste in a move to the Emirates Stadium and would readily agree terms with. Arsenal should they make a breakthrough in talks with Villa.
Watkins supporte Arsenal growing up and reveale earlier in his career that it was his ‘dream’ to play for the Gunners.
The 29-year-old would strengthen an Arsenal squad that lost Gabriel Jesus to a season-ending injury earlier in the month.
Watkins would likely immediately displace current first-choice Arsenal striker Kai Havertz, who has struggled for consistency since his £65m move from Chelsea.
A member of England’s Euro 2024 squad, Watkins has scored 81 goals in 201 appearances for Aston Villa, with 27 of those coming during a hugely impressive 2023-24 campaign.
The ex-Brentford star adde to his tally on Wednesday night as Aston Villa concluded their Champions League group campaign with an entertaining win over Celtic.
Aston Villa rejected Arsenal’s offer for Watkins before fellow striker Jhon Duran was closing in on a big-money move to the Saudi Pro League.
Duran’s imminent departure will make Unai Emery even more desperate to keep hold of Watkins and Aston Villa have not indicated to Arsenal a fee that would change their transfer stance.
However Villa Park bosses privately value Watkins at more than £80m, meaning it would take a huge bid from Arsenal to even convince them to sell.
Addressing the speculation surrounding Watkins after Villa beat Celtic, Emery – formerly of Arsenal – said: ‘I don’t want him to be sold.
‘It’s good news to have offers from other clubs. Every player can be in the market in case it’s good for the player, club and the team.
‘But to get this deal, of course we are going to be very demanding and Watkins is our striker.’
Aston Villa face local rivals Wolves this weekend while Arsenal take on Manchester City before club bosses can focus entirely on Monday’s transfer deadline day.