‘Aston Villa plan to accept Ollie Watkins offer’ in new Arsenal twist
Aston Villa are prepared to accept offers for Ollie Watkins this summer after missing out on Champions League qualification, according to their former scout.
Mick Brown, who also worked as the chief scout at Man United and Blackburn and remains very well-connected at his former clubs, exclusively told Football Insider that Villa view the striker as a sellable asset to raise funds.
The likes of Arsenal and Liverpool are believed to have been keeping a close eye on his situation and are prepared to make a move.
Football Insider revealed on 5 May that Aston Villa could cash in on Watkins as one of multiple first-team stars to leave Villa Park this summer.
This comes despite Watkins having been a key part of Unai Emery’s side this season, as he scored 17 goals and provided 14 assists in 54 appearances across all competitions.
Meanwhile, former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson told Football Insider that Villa will make a big-money sale to avoid a potential PSR breach.
| Ollie Watkins | Stats |
| Appearances | 54 |
| Starts | 43 |
| Minutes Played | 3,578 |
| Goals | 17 |
| Assists | 14 |
Aston Villa to cash in on Ollie Watkins amid Arsenal interest
Brown told Football Insider on 6 May that Watkins wants to join Arsenal amid ongoing speculation about his place in Emery’s long-term plans.
The former scout who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has now insisted the striker’s sale will be used to help balance the books.
“Aston Villa will look to sell Watkins this summer,” he told Football Insider.
“They know he’s a player who has attracted a lot of interest and clubs will be willing to pay for.
“Looking at their financial situation, they feel they’re going to have to sell players to help balance the books and avoid any sort of punishment.
“Arsenal tried to sign Watkins in January and that interest hasn’t gone away.
“Villa paid around £30million for him, and he’s been worth far more than that to them with what he’s achieved since he’s come in.
“Now, they believe they can make a profit on him if clubs come in with offers.
“It’s not their fault but it’s the situation they’re in, and he is seen as a sellable asset.”
Emi Martinez update emerges after agent twist
Watkins is not the only first-team star who is being linked with a move away from Villa Park this summer amid ongoing speculation about Emiliano Martinez.
Football Insider revealed Martinez could leave Aston Villa after Man United joined a number of European and Saudi clubs in the race for his signature.
Atletico Madrid and Chelsea are believed to be keeping a close eye on his situation after he appeared to wave goodbye to Villa fans following their final home game of the season.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider that Martinez’s camp are pushing to leave Aston Villa in favour of a big-money move elsewhere.
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