Arsenal can pull on Ollie Watkins' heartstrings to win the £40m transfer battle with Manchester United, after the striker's long-held ambition to play for the Gunners resurfaced. Watkins, 30, emerged as a target for both Premier League giants as the summer window hots up, with Aston Villa reportedly willing to sell for £40m despite rejecting a £60m Arsenal bid in January 2025 and fending off United last summer.
The England international was away at the World Cup, where he made only two substitute appearances as the Three Lions beat France 6-4 to secure third place, but his focus has now returned to club football. Villa are already lining up a replacement in Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson, who spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich, while Turkish side Fenerbahce are also keen.
“Arsenal can use Ollie Watkins' childhood dream to beat Man Utd in £40m transfer race.”
Watkins' admiration for Arsenal dates back to his Brentford days. "Yeah, that's the dream, to play for Arsenal one day," he said in 2020. "But, you know, it's a long shot." After joining Villa for up to £33m, he scored in his first game against the Gunners and told Sky Sports: "I'm not sure my grandad or uncle Baz are going to be too happy. They are Arsenal fans and I am an Arsenal fan myself - but I'm buzzing. I am sure they will love it really. I am over the moon."
Since then, Watkins has tormented his boyhood club, scoring seven times in 12 appearances against Mikel Arteta's side. He has netted 16 goals in each of the last two Premier League seasons, helped Villa finish fourth and win the Europa League, and amassed 108 goals and 46 assists in a Villa shirt. With two years remaining on his contract, Arsenal see him as a Premier League-proven option, though Julian Alvarez remains their top target.
United's interest dates back to last summer, but Watkins' emotional connection to Arsenal could prove decisive. Should the Gunners activate the £40m price tag, they would not only gain a prolific striker but also fulfil a childhood dream that Watkins himself described as "a long shot" just six years ago.