Arsenal Set to Launch New Bid for Ollie Watkins

Arsenal Set to Launch New Bid for Ollie Watkins

Arsenal are gearing up to reignite their pursuit of Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins, with Football Insider reporting on June 30, 2025, that the Gunners are preparing a new bid for the 29-year-old striker. Former Manchester United and Aston Villa scout Mick Brown, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, revealed that Watkins, a lifelong Arsenal fan, is eager to discuss terms and believes he can secure regular playing time at the Emirates in a title-challenging squad. Despite Villa’s openness to selling Watkins to ease PSR concerns, Arsenal’s immediate focus is on other targets, including RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, but Watkins remains a key option as the transfer window, open until September 1, 2025, unfolds.

Arsenal’s interest follows a rejected £40-45 million bid in January 2025, with Villa valuing Watkins at over £80 million, per The Telegraph. The Gunners’ move was complicated by Jhon Durán’s £64 million transfer to Al-Nassr, leaving Watkins as Villa’s only senior striker. TEAMtalk reported Watkins was “gutted” at the failed January move, citing his childhood support for Arsenal, where he idolized Thierry Henry. His comments in 2020 to Sports Gazette—“The dream is to play for Arsenal one day”—have fueled speculation.

Arsenal’s pursuit of Watkins is driven by Mikel Arteta’s need for an out-and-out striker following Gabriel Jesus’ season-ending knee injury in January 2025. While Kai Havertz has filled in, Watkins’ direct style and versatility—running in behind and drifting wide—offer a different dimension, per Mick Brown. Football Insider notes that Arsenal are also targeting Sesko, who is keen to join despite delays, and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres, with a £68 million valuation. Sky Sports reported on June 16, 2025, that Arsenal’s “beauty pageant” of striker targets includes Watkins, Sesko, and Gyökeres, with a meeting held with Watkins’ representatives to discuss finances.

Aston Villa, however, are reluctant to sell mid-season, especially after Durán’s exit and Rashford’s loan ending, per The Athletic . Unai Emery, furious at Arsenal’s January bid timing before a Champions League clash with Celtic, emphasized Watkins’ commitment, stating, “He’s happy to stay… His commitment to Villa is huge”. Football Insider revealed on June 27, 2025, that Villa’s PSR pressures could force a sale before June 30, but missing that deadline hasn’t deterred Arsenal’s interest. An X post from @InsideArsenal89on June 29, 2025, noted, "Villa are most open to selling Watkins… Arsenal see his experience next to Sesko as a real plus".

Beyond Arsenal, Liverpool are monitoring Watkins as an alternative to Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, priced at £100 million, per Football Insider. Chelsea and Manchester United have also shown interest, with United exploring a swap deal involving Rashford, per Football365. Villa’s financial situation, exacerbated by a final-day defeat to Manchester United that cost them Champions League qualification, makes Watkins a sellable asset, per Daily Mail. The £100 million from a potential women’s team stake sale could ease pressure, but a £50-60 million offer for Watkins remains tempting.

Arsenal fans are excited, with @EduardoHagnon X stating, “Watkins to Arsenal could be massive. His work rate fits Arteta’s system perfectly”. Villa supporters, per @AVFCOfficial, are frustrated, with one post noting, “Losing Watkins after Durán would be a disaster”. Pundit Paul Merson, on Sky Sports (January 31, 2025), urged Arsenal to secure Watkins, saying, “He ticks the box… I’d be shocked if they don’t get him”. However, Roy Keane, per Sky Sports, argued Arsenal were “better off” missing out in January due to Villa’s high valuation.

The main hurdle is Villa’s valuation, with The Telegraph reporting they seek over £80 million, far above Arsenal’s £40-45 million January bid. Watkins’ minor injury against Wolves in January 2025 and his age—turning 30 in December—prompted Arsenal to question the £60 million price tag, per football.london. Arsenal’s “sound financial footing” supports a summer move, but competition from Liverpool and Chelsea complicates matters. For Villa, replacing Watkins alongside Rashford’s loan expiry and Durán’s departure is a challenge, with TEAMtalk noting interest in Chelsea’s João Félix as a potential replacement.

For Arsenal, signing Watkins would bolster their title challenge, complementing Havertz and potentially Sesko, whose talks are ongoing. His 16 goals and 13 assists in 2024-25, plus his Euro 2024 semi-final winner for England, make him a proven option. For Watkins, a move to Arsenal fulfills a childhood dream and ensures regular minutes ahead of the 2026 World Cup, per Mick Brown. Villa, however, risk weakening their attack if they sell without securing replacements, especially with Europa League commitments.

As of June 30, 2025, Arsenal are poised to make a fresh bid for Ollie Watkins, with Football Insider revealing the striker’s eagerness to join his boyhood club. Despite Villa’s openness to a £50-60 million sale to address PSR concerns, Arsenal’s focus on Sesko and Gyökeres may delay a move. Watkins’ desire for regular football and Villa’s financial pressures keep the door open, but Emery’s reluctance and a high valuation pose challenges. As the transfer window progresses, Arsenal’s pursuit of Watkins could define their attacking strength, while Villa must balance squad stability with financial demands.

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