Aston Villa: Ollie Watkins would be tempted by Arsenal switch as admission emerges
Bryan King believes Ollie Watkins would be tempted by a move to Arsenal should the Gunners come in for the Aston Villa striker.
The ex-Villa scout feels that there are a range of factors which might convince the 28-year-old to make the move to the Emirates.
It comes after a report in The Mirror (17 April) revealed that Mikel Arteta’s side have been linked with a move for the England international, with Watkins having previously admitted that he would one day like to play for Arsenal.
Speaking as a Brentford player back in 2020, Watkins said, “That’s the dream, to play for Arsenal one day.”
“I’m an Arsenal fan so Thierry Henry was my [idol] he’s unbelievable to watch. He was the idol growing up really.”
And King – speaking exclusively to Villa News – feels that any potential move might prove too difficult for Watkins to turn down.
“Watkins will obviously want European football, he will want to be playing in the Champions League,” King said.
“He has proved this year just how good of a striker he is, and if clubs like Arsenal are looking at players such as Ivan Toney, they need to be looking at players like Watkins.
“I also believe Watkins would be tempted by a move to Arsenal. His wages would go up, he would have the opportunity to live in London, these factors would come into play.”
Could Ollie Watkins quit life under Unai Emery at Aston Villa to move to Arsenal?
Unfortunately for Villa, they might just need to sit tight and hope that Arsenal don’t come calling.
It appears that the writing would be on the wall for Watkins to make the switch to North London, and at this stage in his career, he might feel that it is the perfect time.
Thankfully for Villa, Watkins is under contract until 2028, meaning the club would be able to demand big money for their star forward.
Villa’s impressive form is bound to have caught the attention of many in Europe, and Unai Emery likely faces a fight to keep hold of a number of his most important players this summer.
In other Aston Villa news, the club are to tempt one Euro ace with a “big money” offer.
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