Exclusive: Arsenal plot new Ollie Watkins move

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Published on:

02 May 2025, 1:30 am

Arsenal are planning to reignite their bid to sign Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

Villa knocked back a £50million offer from the London giants for their star striker, 29, in the January transfer window.

Watkins was then the undisputed attack leader for Unai Emery's side, but his status has been diminished since Marcus Rashford’s arrival on loan in January.

Watkins was overlooked in the starting XI for a string of key Villa matches, including the Champions League double-header against Paris Saint-Germain.

Arsenal shortlist Watkins for the summer window

That development has not gone unnoticed at Arsenal, who are in the market for a proven centre-forward this summer.

Watkins will be on their shortlist of targets as Mikel Arteta's side look to revolutionise their attack in the off-season.

Appearances (Starts)	50 (39)
Minutes Played	3241
Goals	16
Assists	13
Yellow Cards	2

Watkins' Aston Villa stats in the 2024-25 campaign (all competitions)

The England international is expected to return to the starting lineup permanently at Aston Villa with Rashford set to miss the rest of the season through injury.

Watkins has hit 16 goals and contributed 13 assists in 50 appearances across all competitions this term.

The striker, who is out of contract at Villa in June 2028, recorded his best Premier League return last season - when he scored 19 goals and notched 15 assists.

Watkins has hit 74 Premier League goals with Villa. (Credit: Imago)

Liverpool also in Watkins hunt

Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed on 18 April that Liverpool are also closely monitoring Watkins’ situation at Aston Villa.

The Reds are looking at the Villa star as an alternative to Newcastle star Alexander Isak, who is set to be priced out of a summer move.

Liverpool are planning to sign a new out-and-out striker in the off-season despite winning the Premier League title this term.

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