An Ollie Watkins Arsenal transfer could be in jeopardy this summer, according to talkSPORT. They claim that Manchester United are aiming to swoop in.
Watkins has been electric in 2023/24, as Villa boss Unai Emery has helped the England striker reach new levels. In 36 Premier League games, Watkins has scored 19 goals and registered 13 assists.
Watkins Man United transfer: Red Devils to take market opportunity?
Manchester United have struggled for goals this season. Erik ten Hag’s side have only managed 55 this season, only the ninth-highest in the league.
Watkins’ incredible attacking productivity would be one way to upgrade the Red Devils immediately.
The question many fans will understandably ask is why Watkins would leave for United. Aston Villa are back in the Champions League and on a strong upward trajectory. Manchester United, by contrast, are in the throes of a deep crisis.
But according to many in the industry, there is a belief that the Villains may have to sell this summer to meet the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules, giving United a window of opportunity.
Rasmus Højlund has shown considerable promise at striker, particularly around the turn of the year. But the young Dane has also had fitness issues and the inconsistency of youth. He could certainly benefit from having a player of Watkins’ calibre to learn from.
With Marcus Rashford linked with a transfer away from Old Trafford, United could well have the financial headroom to make such a blockbuster move.
Watkins Arsenal transfer: Is he worth £70m?
The short answer is yes. He may be 28 years old, but that should not stop Arsenal from trying to sign a player in his prime, and who could be the missing piece of the puzzle in terms of their ambitions of winning the Premier League or UEFA Champions League title next season.
The Gunners are currently the second-highest scorers in the league with 89 goals, but Watkins’ last performance against Arsenal, a 2-0 away win, illustrates how Arteta’s men still have some final third shortcomings.
Arsenal dominated the first half, but did not put the ball in the back of the net. Sandwiched between their Champions League tie with Bayern Munich, the Gunners tired, and Watkins’ cool finish killed the game off. Having a cold-blooded finisher is perhaps all they miss up top.
A factor that could sway Watkins to move from Villa to Arsenal is the fact he is a Gunners fan, and idolises Thierry Henry. With Eddie Nketiah linked to four Premier League clubs in a potential £40m transfer, a net spend of £30m to replace him with Watkins looks a no-brainer.
