Arsenal’s ยฃ60m Bid for Ollie Watkins Rejected by Aston Villa
In the lead-up to their match, Arsenal saw their ยฃ60 million offer for Aston Villa’s star striker, Ollie Watkins, turned down. This rejection came on the heels of Villa securing a spot in the top eight of their league after a convincing 4-2 victory over Celtic in Birmingham.
Second Bid on the Horizon for Euro 2024 Standout
Watkins, who has solidified his status as one of the Premier League’s premier strikers, has caught Arsenal’s eye due to their need for goal-scoring prowess. The England international made an impact in Villa’s game against Celtic, scoring once but also missing a penalty due to a slip. With the initial bid rebuffed, The Daily Mail reports that Arsenal is expected to return with an improved offer before the transfer window closes at 11pm on Monday.
Emery’s Influence and Watkins’ Future
There’s a strong belief that Unai Emery, the Villa manager, is particularly fond of Watkins, viewing him as a player who could reach new heights under his guidance. However, securing Watkins’ services won’t be straightforward, as noted by comments from close sources: “Because Unai Emery is in love with the player. And also those close to the player believe that Unai Emery could finally be the right coach to trust him, to play him consistently and show the excellent quality of Joao Felix. But, again, itโs not guaranteed.”
Ollie Watkins’ Career Journey
Ollie Watkins, now 29, originally from Torquay, kicked off his professional football career with Exeter City in 2014. His talent was soon recognized by Brentford, where he moved in 2017. His performances there led to a ยฃ28 million transfer to Aston Villa in 2020, setting a club record at the time. Since joining Villa, Watkins has notched up 81 goals and 35 assists in 201 appearances, with an impressive tally of 69 goals and 31 assists in 169 Premier League games. His career has been marked by consistent performances and an ability to impact games both in terms of scoring and creating chances.
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