In a dramatic twist to the summer transfer saga, Arsenal have reportedly initiated secret discussions with the representatives of Ollie Watkins, sending shockwaves through Aston Villa and potentially reshaping the Premier League landscape.
The Gunners, who had been relentlessly chasing Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres, are now growing increasingly disillusioned with the Portuguese club’s relentless demands — and Watkins has suddenly emerged as a real alternative.
Mikel Arteta is known to be desperate for firepower up front as he attempts to mount a more serious title challenge next season. With Gyokeres’ astonishing tally of 97 goals since his 2023 move from Coventry City proving attractive but perhaps unattainable due to Sporting’s hardball tactics, Arsenal are now shifting their gaze to the tried-and-tested Premier League striker at Villa Park.
According to reports in Portugal and England, Arsenal have already reached out to Watkins’ camp to “get a feel” for the striker’s willingness to consider a blockbuster move to North London. It’s believed the conversations explored not just the player’s openness to the switch, but also the kind of financial package that could facilitate such a transfer. That revelation has triggered widespread speculation about whether Aston Villa are now vulnerable to losing their most consistent attacking weapon.
Watkins, who scored 17 goals last season and boasts an impressive total of 87 goals since arriving at Villa from Brentford in 2020, was recently sidelined from England’s international fixtures due to a minor injury. But the bigger headline came from his own mouth, as he broke his silence on the Champions League snub against PSG that left him fuming.
“I was fuming,” Watkins admitted, reflecting on his surprise omission from the starting XI in both legs of the quarter-final showdown with eventual European champions Paris Saint-Germain. “Of course I wanted to start, but that doesn’t mean I don’t respect the gaffer. I have full faith in Unai Emery.”
While he later walked back the tone of his comments to avoid accusations of discontent, the damage may have been done. Speculation is now swirling that Watkins, despite his diplomatic follow-up, may be increasingly open to new horizons — particularly if it means Champions League football and a serious shot at silverware under Arteta.
Adding fuel to the fire is the fact that Marcus Rashford’s short-term loan stint at Villa — which many believe was a response to Watkins’ wavering status — has now ended. Meanwhile, Jhon Duran’s expected departure leaves Villa manager Emery with a striking conundrum, and potentially one fewer weapon in his attacking arsenal.
What’s unclear now is Villa’s stance. Do they double down and convince Watkins to stay with an improved contract and promises of future glory? Or do they cash in while interest from clubs like Arsenal — and possibly others — is at its peak?
With Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig also on Arsenal’s radar, and talks with Watkins’ camp reportedly “advanced” in terms of understanding his market value and ambition, fans across the country are bracing for a summer transfer storm that could shake both Arsenal’s title bid and Aston Villa’s squad strategy.
This unfolding drama might just be the tip of the iceberg, as Villa’s future hangs in the balance — and Arsenal fans dare to dream about what could be their most audacious signing of the window.
