Credit: Hasan Karim - Breaking Media

'Ollie Watkins to Arsenal new update' with Aston Villa ready to sell within days

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

Published on:

27 Jun 2025, 10:52 am

Arsenal's view on a potential return to sign superstar striker Ollie Watkins as the PSR deadline looms over Aston Villa this month.

All Premier League clubs are aware of Villa's current financial struggles, with Youri Tielemans being linked with a Saudi Pro League move just days after the 2024/25 campaign finished.

Unai Emery's side were on the brink of qualifying for the Champions League once again, which would have earned the club up to £100million [BBC Sport], but a final-day defeat squashed those hopes.

Referee Thomas Bramall was at fault as Villa lost 2-0 to Man United at Old Trafford, with the loss of three points pushing the Villans into the Europa League spots, and possibly costing them several high-profile players.

Watkins is certainly one of the stars who would boost the Villa's financial status if he were to leave this summer, and a new update from Mikel Arteta's side has emerged recently.

Ollie Watkins could be sold to help Aston Villa's financial situation. (Credit Imago)

Arsenal to return for Ollie Watkins transfer

According to the Daily Mail (27 June), if Arsenal cannot agree a deal for either Viktor Gyokeres or Benjamin Sesko, the Gunners could return their attention to Watkins again.

This could be the final chance for the Villans to earn a significant fee for the striker, having turned down a low-ball bid from the North Londoners during the winter transfer window.

Football Insider understands that Villa are open to cashing in on Watkins in the next three days, with the 30 June PSR deadline looming, though no buyer has been found yet.

Ollie Watkins' stats in the 2024/25 season. (Credit: Imago)

Champions League blow continues to savage Aston Villa

Football Insider verdict

Supporters are frustrated and concerned by the club's financial situation, and rightly so, but Football Insider understands that Villa could sell a stake in its women's team to raise upwards of £100million.

Todd Boehly and Chelsea took advantage of the same PSR loophole in the Premier League's current rules, with there being no signs of the same loophole being closed anytime soon.

This could also help Emery keep the likes of Morgan Rogers, with Mick Brown telling Football Insider that the club intend to turn down any and all offers for the talented 22-year-old.

Unai Emery could lose several stars this summer. (Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)

Villa, of course, will be hoping for the Gunners to make headway in either of their moves for Gyokeres or Sesko, though Man United appear to still be in the race for the Sporting CP star.

Supporters at Villa Park will not be able to relax until the summer transfer window closes because, even if new funds are to emerge, there is no guarantee that big-name players will stay in the coming weeks.

Arsenal

Aston Villa

Ollie Watkins