Arsenal have launched an audacious bid to sign Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa (Image: Getty)
are reportedly preparing a second bid for after seeing their opening offer rejected by .
is said to be a long-standing admirer of the striker, and the Gunners are now working on what would be a stunning swoop ahead of next week’s winter transfer deadline. The odds are stacked against , given that Watkins has more than three years left to run on his contract and is a key player for .
Villa may also want to wait until Jhon Duran’s situation plays out, with side Al-Nassr pushing to sign the Colombian, who has played back-up to Watkins this season.
According to , have already sent an offer for Watkins, but Villa rejected it immediately. An improved bid is now believed to be in the works as the Gunners look to force their rivals’ hand.
reportedly opened the bidding at around and Villa are believed to be unhappy about the timing of the approach, which was made hours before their crucial Champions League clash with Celtic.
Watkins has scored 10 goals and laid on five assists in the this season. He racked up 32 goal contributions last term and has hit double figures in every one of his five campaigns at Villa.
Mikel Arteta is believed to be a long-standing admirer of Arsenal target Ollie Watkins (Image: Getty)
It remains to be seen whether Villa would be willing to cash in on the striker, who is less than a year from his 30th birthday. They are reportedly pursuing star Joao Felix to bolster Emery’s forward options.
Watkins grew up an fan and said in 2020, while he was still playing for Brentford: “That’s the dream, to play for one day. But, you know, it’s a long shot.”
The Gunners have been exploring attacking options in the transfer market following injuries to and Gabriel Jesus. has led the line this season but many fans feel the team would benefit from more firepower.
Alexander Isak, Matheus Cunha, Victor Osimhen and Dusan Vlahovic have all been linked with the Emirates Stadium this month. But club chiefs have seemingly set their sights on Watkins with less than a week until the deadline.
have a six-point gap to close on leaders , who also have a game in hand. Arteta’s side face Girona tonight (Wednesday) to cap off the league phase of their Champions League campaign, having all but assured their spot in the knockout rounds.