‘Aston Villa handed Ollie Watkins boost amid Man United development’
Aston Villa’s chances of keeping hold of Ollie Watkins have been dealt a significant boost amid the latest Manchester United update.
Watkins has been a sensation at Villa Park since joining from Brentford in 2020, registering 87 goals and 42 assists in 223 appearances across all competitions.
That includes 75 goals in 184 league outings, firing Villa to a top-four finish in 2023/24 and, thus, enjoying Champions League football last season.
However, that form has also brought speculation regarding a move away from the club this summer for Watkins, who has courted attention from Man United and Arsenal.
Man United targeting Benjamin Sesko
Arsenal are pushing ahead with the signing of Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP, eliminating one potential suitor for Aston Villa.
And Unai Emery will be even more relieved by the latest developments out of Old Trafford.
Football Insider transfer correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed on Tuesday (22 July) that Man United are lining up a ‘sensational move’ for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko.
Sesko was a target of Arsenal before they made a breakthrough with Gyokeres after notching 39 goals and eight assists in 87 appearances across the last two seasons for Leipzig.
United themselves were thought to be interested in Gyokeres, but after missing out on both him and Victor Osimhen, Sesko has now been sounded out as their top target.
Unai Emery will be relieved with Man United update
Football Insider verdict
Watkins enjoyed another brilliant campaign for Villa last season, hitting 16 goals and eight assists in 38 Premier League appearances alone — registering another goal and six assists in Champions League and FA Cup play combined.
The Midlands club lost Jhon Duran to Saudi side Al-Nassr midway through last season — the Colombian has since joined Fenerbahce on loan — making Watkins their only recognised striker.
Yes, Watkins turns 30 in December, and the temptation to cash in on him now with three years still on his contract will be high given Villa’s PSR position.
However, maintaining Villa’s status as rejuvenated European challengers is equally important and will only serve to build the club’s financial position in the long-term.
Watkins will prove key again in 2025/26 as Emery looks to lead Villa to Europa League glory and another excellent Premier League campaign.
For now, it seems Villa can sleep easy regarding his future at the club.