Interest in Watkins from Premier League clubs
Manchester United and Arsenal are reportedly monitoring Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins. The forward has attracted interest from various clubs across England and Europe. Villa has already blocked an ambitious move from Fenerbahce.
According to one report, Fenerbahce was preparing a £30 million bid for Watkins, but Villa made it clear they would not consider parting with him. Another report suggests that Villa made it clear they would not accept the Turkish club’s bid of £30million, so they never actually made it.
Potential moves for Watkins
Arsenal is reportedly serious about acquiring Watkins, especially amid growing speculation regarding Gabriel Jesus’s potential departure. Mikel Arteta is said to be seeking attacking alternatives, with Watkins reportedly at the top of the Gunners’ list.
Manchester United is also observing the situation. Should Joshua Zirkzee move to Serie A, the Red Devils are expected to explore new options for their forward line. Should the Dutchman join Juventus or Roma, United are expected to table an official offer for Watkins.
The financial aspect may play a significant role in any potential transfer. Sources suggest Villa could entertain offers around £40m. The financial capacity of Premier League clubs could be a key factor in influencing Villa’s decision regarding their star player.
Watkins has been a notable striker in the Premier League since his debut in 2020. He has scored 91 goals in the top flight. Since Erling Haaland’s debut in the division, only Haaland and Mohamed Salah have reportedly outscored Watkins.
Speculation surrounding Watkins’ future has been ongoing this summer. While Villa is not expected to actively push him out, one of the striker corps at the club will leave if a new number nine joins the club. There have been reports of Villa potentially closing in on a record signing for Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson. Positive discussions between Villa and Chelsea have reportedly taken place, with Unai Emery aiming to reunite with Jackson, whom he previously managed at Villarreal.
Should Jackson join Villa, one report suggests that Villa would listen to offers of £40 million for their striker, while another separate report does not specify a price for his exit.
Other transfer news includes Real Madrid working on a deal for Manchester City midfielder Rodri. Arsenal is also reportedly willing to offer Viktor Gyokeres as part of a deal to bring Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez to the Emirates Stadium this summer.
Additionally, Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca is reportedly considering a transfer for Chelsea winger Pedro Neto this summer. Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United are said to be competing to sign Rayo Vallecano full-back Andrei Ratiu. Chelsea is reportedly the favourite to sign Bosnia-Herzegovina teenager Kerim Alajbegovic from Bayer Leverkusen.
In other football news, Harry Kane is set to begin talks with Bayern Munich regarding a new contract. Furthermore, Darwin Nunez could be offered a move to the MLS from his current club in Saudi Arabia.
Manchester United bosses have also invited Marcus Rashford to participate in a documentary about the club, which some interpret as a sign that they may be prepared to retain the player at Old Trafford.
The transfer window continues to generate significant activity as clubs prepare for the upcoming season.
Source: skysports.com
As Latest News UK's Sports Reporter, Hannah Whitfield reports on tennis, cricket and athletics for readers across the country. She built her name covering the county circuit and Team GB at two Commonwealth Games. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from Loughborough University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Hannah lives in Bristol, where she plays club tennis and coaches a junior side. “Sport is at its best when you let the athletes tell the story.”