In January, Arsenal made a formal approach to Aston Villa in an attempt to secure the signing of Ollie Watkins. However, according to Aston Villa, the striker was not available for transfer at the time. The Midlands club had already sanctioned the sale of Jhon Durán and were determined to retain Watkins for the remainder of the season. As a result, no financial offer from Arsenal was enough to convince them to part ways with their star forward.
Watkins has long been admired by the Gunners, and reports suggest he would be open to a move to the Emirates Stadium. With the summer transfer window approaching, Arsenal are expected to revisit their interest, potentially testing Aston Villa’s resolve once again.
Nevertheless, the Gunners may no longer be the only side pursuing his signature. As cited by Football Insider, Liverpool is now also interested in signing Watkins and is preparing to compete with Arsenal for the striker when the transfer window reopens. The Merseyside club could look to refresh their attacking options, with speculation suggesting that Darwin Núñez and Diogo Jota may be moved on at the end of the current campaign.
Liverpool’s reported interest in Watkins reflects his rising status as one of the most consistent and effective forwards in English football. His performances for Aston Villa this season have further enhanced his reputation, making him a desirable option for any top Premier League side seeking a reliable goalscorer.
As clubs prepare to reshape their squads during the summer, Watkins is likely to attract serious attention, not just from Arsenal and Liverpool, but potentially from other elite teams as well. However, if Arsenal remain firmly interested, their longstanding admiration for the player, coupled with his reported affinity for the club, could place them in a strong position.
Ultimately, much will depend on Aston Villa’s willingness to sell and the player’s own preferences. For Arsenal, strengthening the attack remains a priority, and Watkins continues to be viewed as a potential key addition to help elevate their frontline.
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Go ahead and make my day
I would like to read the opinions of those who said:
(1) He’s too old
(2) We didn’t really bid for him
(3) We don’t want villa rejects
I guess now that this report that pool are interested is out those opinions will be :
(1) He’s got years ahead of him
(2) We should have payed what villa asked for
(3) If pool do sign him, they are showing more ambition than The Arsenal
Funny old game 😊😊😊
You know it’s just rumours Ken?
But Dan my old friend, isn’t every suggested signing a rumour until it happens?
Despite that, the the points I made above were put forward and I believe you did participate in the conversation, so do you think that, now pool are rumoured to be interested in Ollie, the negativity from our fans will change, including you?!
I liked Watkins and rate him
Think he’s a little too old, if we had sign him in January then I would have understand, think we should go for someone a little younger.
Think the obsession was for Isak
Didn’t Liverpool sign a certain Melo ?
Am not saying Watkins is another Melo, but the Merseyside club too have their own hit and miss
Ken Watkins is class but I guess the money Villa wanted for him was too much and it was wise for Arsenal to walk away. 40 M yes . 60 M no.