Report: Gunners make £40m move for proven Premier League star

Arsenal Plot Summer Move for Ollie Watkins: Transfer Gathers Momentum

Arsenal are making serious moves behind the scenes as they reignite their interest in Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins. First reported by Record, the North London club have reportedly cooled their interest in Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres due to financial constraints, and have now turned their attention back to Watkins — a boyhood Arsenal fan.

The Gunners initially targeted Watkins in January, hoping to capitalise on Villa’s need to sell either Jhon Durán or the former Brentford man. However, once Villa offloaded Durán to Al Nassr, that avenue was shut. But the situation has since shifted.

With Marcus Rashford’s arrival on loan from Manchester United, Watkins’ game time took a noticeable hit. The England forward, who tallied an impressive 17 goals and 14 assists last season, has reportedly grown frustrated about his lessening importance, opening the door for a potential Emirates switch.

Crucially, Record reports that Arsenal have already met with Watkins’ representatives to discuss the deal’s framework. There is believed to be a readiness for an urgent deal, especially as Villa’s asking price is thought to be under the £40 million initially floated.

The club’s pivot away from Gyökeres — whose £68 million release clause is proving a stumbling block — makes Watkins an attractive, cost-effective alternative. With Benjamin Šeško now reportedly their top target, Watkins might represent the more pragmatic option in a challenging transfer market.

Let’s not overlook Watkins’ personal connection to the club either. His long-standing affection for Arsenal is no secret. Speaking in 2020, Watkins shared: “That’s the dream, to play for Arsenal one day. But, you know, it’s a long shot.” He added, “I’m an Arsenal fan so Thierry Henry was my idol… he was the idol growing up really.”

This passion could translate into an emotionally charged and high-impact signing, especially for a player who already knows the pace and physicality of Premier League football. His previous London stint with Brentford only sweetens the deal further.

Watkins’ numbers speak for themselves. His combination of goals, assists, and hold-up play could provide Mikel Arteta’s side with something they’ve lacked at times — a consistent Premier League-proven centre-forward with versatility and work rate. At 29, he’s also in  his prime, bringing both experience and hunger to a squad already brimming with talent.

If the financials align and Watkins’ desire is as strong as reported, Arsenal may finally be on the cusp of landing a striker tailor-made for their system and ambitions.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From the standpoint of an Arsenal supporter, this rumoured pursuit of Ollie Watkins feels like a long-overdue alignment of logic, passion, and practicality. First off, Watkins is Premier League ready — no need to “adapt to the league” or adjust to Arteta’s pace. He knows the demands. He thrives on the left, down the middle, and can drag defenders out of position — a pressing forward who’s already delivered 30+ goal contributions in a single campaign.

The emotional pull is another layer. “That’s the dream, to play for Arsenal one day.” That line alone will resonate with fans craving players who don’t just wear the shirt — they believe in it.

Yes, he’s not as flashy a name as Gyökeres or as hyped as Šeško, but at under £40 million, he’s value for money in a market where prices are spiralling. Watkins could do for Arsenal what Gabriel Jesus was supposed to: offer movement, dynamism, and end product — only with greater physical presence and consistency in front of goal.

If Arteta wants ready-made impact, emotional investment, and a genuine goalscorer who won’t buckle under Premier League pressure, Watkins is the man. For many Gooners, this deal wouldn’t just be smart — it would be poetic.