Ollie Watkins exit talks held at Aston Villa as Marcus Rashford offer made
Ollie Watkins could leave Aston Villa this summer with several Premier League clubs weighing up a move for the striker.
The 29-year-old enjoyed another productive campaign for the Villans – scoring 16 Premier League goals and providing eight assists – yet found himself starting on the bench towards the end of the season.
Arsenal had attempted to sign Watkins in January but a bid was rebuffed after Jhon Duran completed a £70million move to Al-Nassr.
Manchester United to move for Watkins
Watkins has established himself among the Premier League’s best strikers over the last three seasons.
The forward has registered 15 Premier League goals or more in all three campaigns, with a remarkable 2023/24 tally seeing him win the league’s playermaker of the season award for supplying 15 assists.
But with the Englishman turning 30 in December and allowing some dips in form to creep into his game last season, Villa may now see this summer as their last opportunity to attract a sizable fee.
According to the Mirror, Manchester United could be the team to tempt Watkins away from Villa Park, with their own pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres appearing fruitless.
Ruben Amorim’s side have held tentative talks, according to the report, and the Portuguese coach sees the striker as the ideal player to lead his attack into next season.
Villa would demand around £60m – a fee United are currently unwilling to pay. The Red Devils were willing to offer Marcus Rashford in a swap deal, but Unai Emery’s side have decided against signing the 27-year-old following his loan move.
| Ollie Watkins | Premier League (2022-25) |
| Appearances | 112 |
| Goals | 50 |
| Assists | 29 |
Villa’s options to replace Watkins
Watkins’ departure would leave Donyell Malen as Unai Emery’s main option of centre-forward going forward.
A black hole worth 16 Premier League goals would also be left vacant – a deficit Villa would certainly have to make up for in the transfer window.
The previously mentioned Gyokeres could be available should Arsenal not follow up on their interest. The Swede is reportedly desperate for a move away from Sporting, but the financial ramifications of the deal could prove too costly.
Dusan Vlahovic and Hugo Ekitike are two more names who could also appear on the watchlist at Villa Park, with both players keen on a move to the Premier League this summer.
Alternatively, one interesting option could be that of Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson. The London club are looking to sign another striker in the coming weeks following the arrival of Liam Delap.