Aston Villa ‘to accept just £50m+ for Ollie Watkins’ amid Arsenal transfer latest
Ollie Watkins’ near-five-year stay at Aston Villa could come to an end this summer.
Watkins netted the winner as Villa beat Bournemouth 1-0 at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday (10 May).
That goal saw Watkins overtake Gabby Agbonlahor to become Aston Villa’s record Premier League goalscorer.
However, it could also prove to be one of the striker’s final goals for the West Midlands-based outfit.
Aston Villa ‘would accept £50million for Watkins’
Marcus Rashford’s arrival in the winter transfer window saw Watkins dropped to the bench for some big games in recent months.
As a result, the striker could seek an Aston Villa exit this summer.
| Aston Villa | Appearances | Goals |
| Ollie Watkins | 221 | 87 |
Arsenal submitted a bid worth £40million for Watkins in the winter transfer window [Football London], and speculation over a potential move to the Emirates continues to rumble on.
NSWE could be forced to sanction Watkins’ exit this summer due to ongoing issues with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules in the West Midlands, and ex-Villa scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Villa News – believes a bid of £50m could be accepted.
“Villa would accept anywhere between £50-70million, I would think,” King said.
“Watkins is an England international, not old, and he scores goals, and that is what Arsenal need. He must be frustrated that Villa have brought in Rashford. This is a guy who joined Villa, has done wonders, and suddenly he is the backup. Therefore, I wouldn’t think he’d be happy with that.
“However, we don’t know what is happening with Rashford. Watkins is a £60million player, especially in today’s prices. He’s a better player than Dominic Solanke, and he cost enough.”
Aston Villa need to make a decision on Watkins
Watkins’ future is likely to be closely linked to Rashford. If Unai Emery’s side don’t sign Rashford permanently, they cannot afford to let go of Watkins.
However, if Rashford does make his switch from Manchester United permanent, Watkins might be tempted by a potential move to Arsenal.