Aston Villa's prolific striker, Ollie Watkins, has drawn significant attention from Premier League giants Arsenal. Despite a bid from the North London club, Aston Villa has rebuffed their offer, indicating Watkins' high value at Villa Park. The 29-year-old forward, who has consistently demonstrated his prowess on the field, is currently the Premier League's ninth-top goalscorer this season with 10 goals from 23 appearances. Villa's recent Champions League triumph over Celtic saw Watkins not only starting but also scoring in their 4-2 victory, further solidifying his status as a key player.
Watkins' journey in football has been remarkable. He transitioned from being a Championship striker at Brentford to making an indelible mark in the Premier League with Aston Villa. His performances have not gone unnoticed, and his ability to find the back of the net has also been evident on the international stage. Representing England, Watkins has scored five goals in 18 games, including the decisive winner in last season's Euro 2024 semi-final against the Netherlands.
Despite his success with Villa, Watkins has openly expressed his admiration for Arsenal. As a lifelong fan of the club, he has admitted that playing for Arsenal is "the dream."
"The dream is to play for Arsenal one day but it's a long shot. My family support them and stuff like that but that's the long term." – Ollie Watkins
His passion for the club extends back to his childhood when he idolized Arsenal legend Thierry Henry.
"Thierry Henry, as an Arsenal fan, was unbelievable to watch. He was my idol growing up," – Ollie Watkins
Arsenal's interest in Watkins remains strong, and they are expected to return with an improved offer following Villa's rejection. Mikel Arteta, Arsenal's manager, remains tight-lipped about the negotiations but acknowledges the ongoing efforts to strengthen the squad.
"I can't talk about any of that. My confidence is that we have an amazing club with people always working to try and improve." – Mikel Arteta
Meanwhile, Aston Villa manager Unai Emery appreciates the attention Watkins has garnered from other clubs but emphasizes his desire to retain him.
"It is good news to have an offer from other clubs, or interest. It is good." – Unai Emery
Emery's commitment to keeping Watkins at Villa Park is evident, especially after witnessing his dedication during matches. After scoring against Celtic, Watkins celebrated by tapping the club's badge, a gesture signifying his connection with the team.
While Arsenal focuses on securing Watkins' transfer, Al Nassr has reportedly struck a deal for another of Villa's top strikers, Jhon Duran. This development potentially shifts focus back to Watkins and his future at Aston Villa.
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