Ollie Watkins open to Arsenal move, Aston Villa determined to keep him

Ollie Watkins is reportedly open to joining Arsenal in the winter transfer window, but Aston Villa will look to block a move this month.

According to a report by Daily Mail, Ollie Watkins is the subject of interest from Arsenal. The Gunners have been keen on signing a striker in the winter transfer window and have set their sights on the Aston Villa mainstay. While the 29-year-old centre-forward is open to joining the North London club, the Villans are determined to keep him at Villa Park until the summer.

The soaring stock of Ollie Watkins

Ollie Watkins has been one of the best players in the Premier League since joining Aston Villa from Brentford in September 2020. The Englishman had to bide his time before finding his feet at the West Midlands club. However, he has not looked back since becoming an undisputed first-choice starter for Aston Villa.

The 29-year-old has not been at his best this season but has still amassed a solid tally of 11 goals and nine assists in 32 appearances across all competitions. In addition, Watkins has established a foothold in his national squad, earning regular call-ups, including at UEFA Euro 2024.

Meanwhile, the English striker’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs across Europe. Premier League bigwigs, in particular, are keen on signing the Aston Villa attacking mainstay, with Arsenal among his prospective suitors in the winter transfer window.

London return on the horizon?

Arsenal’s interest in Ollie Watkins is understandable. The Gunners have been scouring the market for a striker heading into the winter transfer window due to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz’s struggles in the final third. In addition, the former will unlikely play again this season after picking up a long-term knee injury.

So, Arsenal should invest in a striker before the winter transfer window shuts down. Watkins has thus emerged as a viable target, with the North London club failing with a bid to sign the 29-year-old Englishman. While Arsenal will likely return with an improved offer, Aston Villa will aim to block his departure in the coming days.

The Villans have already lost Jhon Duran, with the Colombian international closing in on joining Al-Nassr. So, it is hardly surprising that Aston Villa will fight to keep hold of the English international amid his links with Arsenal.

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