All the latest on the future of Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins, with Arsenal reportedly interested in signing him in January.
Arsenal has recently been linked with Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins as they look to bolster their attacking options in the January transfer window.
Centre-forwards Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette are nearing the end of their contracts at the Emirates Stadium, while fellow striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's future at the club is uncertain.
The Gunners are open to offers for the former club captain, who has not played since a 2-1 loss to Everton last month.
Watkins and football are among the forwards associated with the north London club.
london has compiled the most recent information on the England international and his potential transfer to Arsenal.
Arteta is a fan.
Head coach Mikel Arteta is a huge fan of Watkins, according to ESPN, with the Spaniard reportedly impressed by the Villa star's versatility to play across the frontline.
"Arteta and Arsenal's recruitment team are planning for life without Aubameyang and have a range of options that they are considering," according to the report.
"Among them is Watkins, who joined Villa from Brentford last summer for £27.7 million and has scored 18 league goals in 51 appearances for the club." According to sources, Arteta admires Watkins' playing style and ability to fill a variety of offensive roles.
"There has been no direct contact between Arsenal and Aston Villa regarding Watkins, and sources say a January transfer is highly unlikely, but the 25-year-old will be monitored ahead of a summer move."
Watkins, an Arsenal supporter, has previously admitted to being a boyhood Arsenal fan, claiming that his idol is Gunners icon Thierry Henry.
"That's the dream, to play for Arsenal," he told Sports Gazette at the 2020 London Football Awards one day.
But it's a long shot, you know.
"As an Arsenal fan, Thierry Henry is my [idol]; he's incredible to watch." He was my idol when I was younger."
Hutton's recommendation
Alan Hutton, a former Villa and Tottenham Hotspur defender, has urged the 26-year-old to stay at Villa Park despite Arteta's interest.
"Look, it would have to be a massive fee," Hutton told Football Insider. Finally, I believe Aston Villa have the same goals as Arsenal.
"We know Arsenal is probably ahead of them right now, and we can see that." But I believe that is where Aston Villa are attempting to go. So, why would you sell off your best players if you're attempting to reach that level?
"You want to keep them, and you want to build a team around them." That's what I believe the owners want. So, unless the fee is absolutely ridiculous, I don't see him going anywhere." As previously stated, Aston Villa have the same long-term goals as Arsenal. It is to gain access to those European locations."
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