Arsenal are planning to bid to sign Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins this summer

According to sources who spoke to Football Insider, Arsenal intends to relaunch its pursuit of Aston Villa attacker Ollie Watkins this summer. During the January transfer window, Villa rejected a £50 million approach from the London powerhouses for their top striker, who is 29 years old.

Although Watkins was Unai Emery’s team’s undeniable attack leader at the time, his standing has declined since Marcus Rashford joined on loan in January. Watkins missed out on a number of crucial Villa games, including the Champions League doubleheader against Paris Saint-Germain, in the starting lineup.

The 29-year-old Watkins is vocal about his dissatisfaction with being benched for Marcus Rashford in recent weeks, and he may be the man selected for sale. Arsenal’s £60 million offer for the England international was reportedly turned down during the winter transfer window. Rashford was acquired from Manchester United on loan, and this summer, the agreement might be finalized.

Financial expert Kieran Maguire discussed Villa’s current financial status, saying, “This season is the first time that Aston Villa has not seen a £100 million boost in their PSR calculations as a result of the sale of Jack Grealish.

Arsenal shortlist Watkins for the summer window

Arsenal has taken note of that improvement, as they are looking to add a proven center-forward this summer. In the off-season, Mikel Arteta’s team will be looking to revamp their offense, and Watkins will be on their shortlist of targets.

The England international is anticipated to make a permanent comeback to the starting lineup at Aston Villa since Rashford is projected to miss the remainder of the season due to injury. In 50 games this season in all competitions, Watkins has scored 16 goals and provided 13 assists.

Last season, when he scored 19 goals and recorded 15 assists, the striker, whose contract with Villa expires in June 2028, had his finest Premier League season.