Premier League giants Manchester United and Arsenal are reportedly monitoring Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, who has attracted interest from Turkey and other European clubs.
Watkins, 30, has been at Villa Park since arriving from Brentford in the summer of 2020. Since then, he has struck 108 times and provided 47 assists in 278 games across competitions, including 21 strikes and five assists in 55 games last season.
He contributed five goals and two assists in their victorious UEFA Europa League campaign, while Unai Emery’s side finished fourth in the Premier League, behind Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United.
Although he’s contracted to Villa Park till 2028, Watkins – who played two games at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, where England finished third – is being tracked by the Gunners and the Red Devils, as per The Sun.
The publication mentions that Fenerbahce were looking to submit a £30 million bid, but Villa rebuffed their approaches. The Turkish giants were prepared to give Watkins a salary between £7.5-8.5 million per year on a three-year deal.
The Gunners are keeping tabs on Watkins, as Gabriel Jesus is attracting interest and could be on the move. Meanwhile, the Red Devils could make a move if Joshua Zirkzee leaves, amid interest from Juventus and AS Roma. Villa are expected to ask for around £40 million for the striker.
What’s next for Arsenal and Manchester United?
Both Arsenal and Manchester United are coming off successful campaigns, especially in the Premier League, where the Gunners ended a 22-year title drought, while the Red Devils finished third, their best league finish since 2023.
Mikel Arteta’s Gunners have upcoming pre-season games against Girona (August 1), Real Betis (August 6), Borussia Dortmund (August 9) and Como (August 13) before their Community Shield clash with Manchester City on August 16. They open their Premier League title defence six days later at home to Coventry City, who won the Championship last season.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils have friendlies coming up against Atletico Madrid (August 1), Paris Saint-Germain (August 8), Leeds United (August 13) and AC Milan (August 16) before travelling to promoted Hull City for their Premier League opener on August 22.
Edited by Bhargav
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