Watkins now one step closer to Arsenal as surprise Aston Villa exit news emerges
Ollie Watkins could be set for a summer move to Arsenal as talks emerge at Aston Villa ahead of the summer.
The England international has been strongly linked with a Villa Park departure in recent months after a drop-off in minutes.
Until his injury, Unai Emery had often opted to utilise Marcus Rashford as a solo striker, leaving the 29-year-old “fuming” in B6.
Despite coming back into the side in recent weeks due to the loanee’s injury, it appears that a move to Arsenal could still be on the cards.
Watkins future to be assessed at Aston Villa
There is no doubt that the former Brentford striker has been an excellent goalscorer since signing for Villa.
The issue comes as Emery looks to take a step up with this side, and that may not be possible with Watkins, given how many chances he misses.
| Name | Big chances missed | Conversion rate (%) |
| Ollie Watkins | 26 | 18.8 |
| Mohamed Salah | 22 | 23.1 |
| Erling Haaland | 20 | 20.6 |
The Englishman lacks that clinical edge, and as a result, it was little surprise to many that Rashford was given the chance to start against PSG.
With that in mind, a move to Arsenal could be set to be back on the table once the window opens, as it was throughout the winter.
The Athletic reported on 8 May that the Villans weren’t opposed to the idea of selling the striker but couldn’t deal with the sale of him and Jhon Duran at once.
This could see Watkins’ future be reassessed in the summer as discussions between the player’s camp and the B6 club are set to take place in the summer.
Given that the former Exeter man is an Arsenal fan, conversations with the Gunners could be set to reignite once the campaign comes to an end.
Watkins could be set for Arsenal move
There is no doubt that Mikel Arteta’s side are in desperate need of a number nine and the Englishman could prove to be that man.
This would certainly leave the Villans light in the striker department, especially if Rashford is to return to Manchester United in the summer.
This could see new options be considered, especially with Watkins potentially set to leave due to PSR concerns for Villa moving into the window.
It is certainly going to be another interesting window in B6, as it was last season with the sale of Douglas Luiz to Juventus.