Sources: Arsenal set sights on signing Ollie Watkins after Aston Villa talks update
Premier League clubs will monitor the situation of Ollie Watkins as he opens contract renewal talks with Aston Villa, sources have told Football Insider.
It is believed that Arsenal have held a previous interest in the 27-year-old and will continue to keep tabs on him as new Villa terms are discussed.
However, sources with knowledge of Watkins' situation have revealed that all parties are confident of a deal being struck to keep him at Villa Park long-term.
Football Insider revealed on Wednesday (12 April) that Watkins is set for a bumper new contract which could take him over the £100,000-a-week threshold.
The England international earns a reported current wage of £75,000-a-week on his deal which runs until June 2025.
But Unai Emery and the Midlands giants are keen to reward him with a bumper new terms sheet after his dazzling recent form.
Watkins has scored nine goals in his last 11 Premier League games – with the forward spearheading Villa's charge up into sixth in the table.
The seven-cap Three Lions ace has managed 13 goals and five assists in 32 games across all competitions.
Football Insider revealed on Monday (10 April) that Villa are planning to sign two A-list forwards this summer with huge funds available for Emery.
Meanwhile, Arsenal could head into the summer transfer window as Premier League champions for the first time in 19 years.
The Gunners are six points clear of Man City - who have played a game fewer than Mikel Arteta's side.
Both Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah have experienced injury problems during the 2022-23 campaign.