Arsenal can beat Manchester United to Ollie Watkins by tapping into the striker's long-held desire to play for the Gunners. The 30-year-old Aston Villa frontman has emerged as a major target for both Premier League giants as the summer transfer window intensifies.
It is no secret that Watkins has a soft spot for North London. Back in 2020, while he was still making waves at Brentford, the striker admitted, "Yeah, that's the dream, to play for Arsenal one day." Even though he called it a long shot at the time, that sentiment hasn't vanished.
Why is Arsenal interested in Ollie Watkins?
Arsenal is looking to bolster its attacking options with a proven Premier League goalscorer. While Julian Alvarez is reportedly the top priority for the Gunners, Watkins represents a battle-tested alternative who already knows the league inside out.
Arsenal previously hit a brick wall in their pursuit of the striker when Aston Villa rejected a massive £60 million bid in January 2025. Now, reports suggest the price tag might drop to £40m, making him a much more realistic target for Mikel Arteta's side.
How will Manchester United respond to the Watkins bid?
Manchester United is also lurking in the shadows, hoping to snatch the striker away from Villa Park. Last summer, Aston Villa managed to fend off United's initial interest, but with the landscape shifting, the race has become a proper scrap.
Fenerbahce are also lurking, adding a Turkish twist to this Premier League drama. But for a player who has already admitted Arsenal is his dream, the Gunners hold the ultimate trump card. Wamma, this is where the battle gets interesting.
Villa are already planning for a life without their star man. The club is reportedly lining up Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson—who spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich—to step into the void if Watkins departs.
If you are looking to back these moves on your weekend accumulators, keep a close eye on the odds for a major Premier League striker move. This one is going to be a rollercoaster.
Will Ollie Watkins join Arsenal?
Ollie Watkins could join Arsenal if the club moves quickly to capitalize on his previous comments about playing for the Gunners. His willingness to play for the club makes him a more attractive prospect than a neutral stranger.
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Source: Mirror
