Expert suggests Ollie Watkins’ head has been turned after Arsenal source’s reveal
Alan Hutton is worried Ollie Watkins could be tempted by a move to Arsenal this summer.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Aston Villa defender insisted the Gunners won’t be the only team monitoring Watkins ahead of the summer window.
The 27-year-old’s current contract at Villa Park runs until 2025 after signing from Brentford in 2020.
On Saturday (15 April), Football Insider revealed that Arsenal are one of the Premier League clubs monitoring the striker as they eye up a move at the end of the season.
But, sources with knowledge of Watkins‘ situation say that there is confidence in a deal being struck to keep him in Birmingham long-term.
Last week (12 April), sources told this site that the England international is set for a bumper new contract which could take him over the £100,000-a-week threshold.
But Hutton is worried an offer from a club like Arsenal could turn Watkins’ head.
“I do not want to go against Aston Villa but of course I think he would be interested,” he told Football Insider.
“You would be silly to sit here and think that he would not.
“He has been outstanding for Villa, especially since Emery has come in. He has given him a new lease of life, he just wants him to be that number nine and score goals.
“There are going to be teams monitoring his performance. For Arsenal that is probably a position that they want to bring somebody in.
“Watkins would of course suit the Arsenal team and it would be a great club to be at. But I can also see what Villa are trying to do so I want him to stay.“
In other news, Arsenal two-man shopping list revealed after Arteta green light.