Arsenal pursue Ollie Watkins as Villa reject £60m bid

Arsenal has set its sights on signing Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins before next week’s transfer deadline, according to the Daily Mail.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta, a long-time admirer of the 29-year-old, has overseen an initial £60 million bid, which Villa has rejected. However, Arsenal is expected to return with an improved offer.

Watkins, a key player for Unai Emery’s squad, remains under contract for another three years. Despite Villa’s strong bargaining position, a move to Arsenal may tempt the England international, who once revealed his childhood dream of playing for the North London club.

“That’s the dream, to play for Arsenal one day. But, you know, it’s a long shot,” Watkins said in 2020 while at Brentford.

Watkins has scored 10 goals in 31 appearances this season, including a recent strike in Villa’s 2-2 draw against Arsenal at the Emirates.