Arsenal’s attempt to sign Ollie Watkins has been rebuffed by Aston Villa, with the club rejecting an initial offer believed to be around £60 million. The Gunners had identified Watkins as a key target to bolster their attack, but Villa remained firm in their stance, unwilling to part with their star striker in the midst of a crucial season.
Arsenal’s Offer and Villa’s Stance Amid Their European Hopes
Arsenal’s long-standing interest in Watkins translated into a formal bid in late January 2025. However, Villa, who saw Watkins as integral to their ambitions, swiftly turned it down. The striker has been in fine form, scoring 10 Premier League goals this season and playing a pivotal role in Villa’s Champions League campaign. His recent performances, including a brace against Celtic have further solidified his value.
However, Villa’s chances of qualifying for the Champions League next season currently stand at approximately 4.28%, according to Opta projections. This translates to odds that have dipped to 22/1 (+2200). Luckily, for avid punters, modern online gambling sites like those that offer crypto bets usually come with many options for bettors. This means a wide array of betting options and ways to build a tailored bet. These platforms also offer instant withdrawals, faster registrations, and a range of unique bonuses.
For Villa fans, the Premier League is competing for an extra Champions League qualification spot based on UEFA’s coefficient ranking. This could increase Villa’s odds if English clubs perform well in Europe. Despite the challenging probability, Villa’s performances suggest they have the capability to exceed expectations.
With Watkins under contract until 2026, Villa has no immediate pressure to sell. The club, backed by billionaire owner Nassef Sawiris, has made it clear that they will only consider offers reflecting Watkins’ significance to their squad. While Arsenal are expected to return with an improved bid, they face an uphill battle convincing Villa to part with their top forward mid-season.
Interest from Other Clubs
Arsenal is not alone in their pursuit of Watkins. Manchester United is also monitoring the situation as they seek to strengthen their attacking options. With Rasmus Højlund still adjusting to the Premier League, Ruben Amorim’s side sees Watkins as a potential solution to their inconsistency in front of goal. The Red Devils have struggled with a reliable goal scorer this season, and Watkins’ combination of pace, finishing ability, and Premier League experience makes him an attractive option.
Chelsea, under Enzo Maresca, has also been linked with attacking reinforcements amid other transfer targets. Despite investing heavily in forward options over the past two seasons, the club continues to struggle for consistent goal-scoring. Watkins’ versatility and ability to operate in multiple attacking roles make him an ideal candidate to fit into Chelsea’s evolving system. With Chelsea outside the top four at the moment, their push for an established striker like Watkins could intensify.
European giants like Juventus have also expressed interest, but prying Watkins away from a club intent on competing in Europe will require a substantial financial offer. Juventus, in particular, are looking for a forward to replace Dusan Vlahovic, should the Serbian leave in the summer. Watkins’ name has been floated as a potential alternative due to his well-rounded skill set.
Villa’s Determination to Keep Watkins
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has consistently emphasized Watkins’ importance to the team’s success. With Villa pushing for a top-four finish and progressing in the Champions League, they view Watkins as irreplaceable at this stage of the season. Emery has repeatedly praised Watkins’ work ethic, movement, and finishing ability, reinforcing the club’s unwillingness to entertain bids mid-season.
The club is reportedly more open to selling Colombian striker Jhon Durán, with Al-Nassr offering up to £80 million for the 20-year-old. However, Villa remains unwilling to entertain offers for Watkins, at least until the summer transfer window. Durán’s potential departure could provide Villa with funds for reinforcements, but Emery remains adamant about keeping his squad intact to maintain their momentum in both domestic and European competitions.
Potential Impact of Watkins’ Departure
Losing Watkins would be a significant blow to Villa’s ambitions. His goal contributions, leadership, and adaptability have been crucial in their rise under Emery. Finding a suitable replacement mid-season would be challenging, given the lack of top-tier strikers available in the market.
Villa’s firm stance suggests they are not in a position where they need to sell, making it difficult for Arsenal or any other club to secure a deal in January. Watkins’ has been a revelation given the incredible story of his immense rise. His ability to link up play, press from the front, and provide a consistent goal-scoring threat makes him an invaluable asset for Villa. If Villa were to part with Watkins, they would likely struggle to find a player of similar quality willing to move in the middle of the season.
Additionally, with Villa aiming to establish themselves as a consistent presence in the Champions League, holding onto Watkins sends a strong message about their long-term ambitions. If Arsenal or another club hopes to secure his services, they may have to wait until the summer and meet an extremely high valuation.
Villa’s Financial Strength and Long-Term Ambitions
Aston Villa’s refusal to entertain Arsenal’s bid for Ollie Watkins is a reflection of their growing financial strength and long-term ambitions. Backed by billionaire owner Nassef Sawiris, Villa no longer operates as a selling club, unlike previous years when they lost star players such as Jack Grealish to Manchester City.
The club’s financial position allows them to resist offers that do not match their valuation, and they are keen to build a squad capable of consistently competing for European places. Villa’s revenue has surged due to their Champions League qualification and increased commercial deals, further reinforcing their ability to retain top talent.
The club has also invested heavily in infrastructure and squad depth, signaling their intent to become a regular force in both domestic and European competitions. Keeping Watkins is a statement of intent, demonstrating that Villa is not merely a stepping stone for players but a serious contender for silverware.