Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins reportedly wants to join Arsenal in the summer transfer window if the Gunners fail to sign Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP this summer.
According to a report by Graeme Bailey on TBR Football, Ollie Watkins is the subject of interest from Arsenal. The Gunners are keen on bolstering their offensive unit by signing a striker in the summer transfer window. So, the 29-year-old Aston Villa centre-forward has emerged as a target for the North London outfit.
The Premier League giants are prioritising signing Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP in the summer transfer window. However, Watkins is an alternative to the Swedish international if the move for the Coventry City striker does not see the light of day, with the Englishman keen on joining Arsenal.
Ollie Watkins and his rise at Aston Villa
Ollie Watkins has established himself as one of the best strikers in the Premier League since joining Aston Villa from Brentford in a deal worth £33 million in September 2020. The 29-year-old hit the ground running at the West Midlands club and has come leaps and bounds in the last half a decade.
The 18-cap English international has turned out over 200 times thus far for Aston Villa while chipping in with 87 goals and 42 assists. Meanwhile, Watkins has piqued the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe with his exploits for his club and country. Arsenal may be one of the prospective suitors vying for his signature vying for his signature in the summer transfer window.
London return on the horizon?
Arsenal mulled over signing Ollie Watkins earlier this year before the deal failed to see the light of day. The continued interest is understandable, considering the Gunners want a more prolific striker than Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus. So, several candidates, including Viktor Gyokeres, have emerged on Arsenal’s radar, with Watkins also a viable target.
Recent reports have claimed that the Premier League heavyweights hope to seal the deal to sign Gyokeres within the next two weeks. However, Arsenal’s options are open if they fail to land the Swedish international, with Watkins an alternative. Meanwhile, the 29-year-old Englishman is keen on joining the North London outfit in the summer transfer window.
Aston Villa can recoup much more than the £33 million they paid to secure the English striker’s services if a suitor comes calling. However, Arsenal may face stiff competition in the battle to sign Watkins, with Manchester United also vying for his signature.
