91 Premier League Goals in 6 Seasons – The £40m Forward Man Utd and Arsenal Are Fighting Over
Manchester United and Arsenal Monitoring Aston Villa Striker Ollie Watkins After Fenerbahce Bid Rejected
Manchester United and Arsenal are reportedly monitoring developments regarding Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins after the Europa League winners turned down an approach from Turkish side Fenerbahce.
The Turkish club is said to have been plotting a £35 million bid for the England international, only for Villa to make it clear they would not accept the offer. The Sun claims several clubs in England and across Europe remain keen on signing the 30-year-old this summer. Fenerbahce had hoped to offer Watkins a contract worth between £7.5 million and £8.5 million per year over a three-year deal.
Although Villa firmly outlined their stance to the Turkish side, Arsenal and Manchester United are interested in refreshing their attacking options. Reports suggest a fee of around £40 million could be enough to lure Villa into formal talks.
Arsenal’s Interest
Arsenal are expected to sell Gabriel Jesus this summer, with the Brazilian forward attracting interest from Serie A side AC Milan. The Gunners reportedly view Watkins as an ideal replacement — a proven Premier League goalscorer who can provide physical presence, hold-up play, and experience in big matches.
Manchester United’s Position
As for United, Joshua Zirkzee is being linked with a return to Italy, with Juventus keen on signing the former Bologna striker after he impressed in Serie A before his move to Old Trafford. Reports earlier this week claimed the Dutch international had given Juventus his seal of approval ahead of potential transfer talks, though no club-to-club discussions have taken place yet.
AS Roma are also said to be interested in Zirkzee. If United do offload the 25-year-old, The Sun suggests Michael Carrick’s side would then be expected to make an official approach for Watkins.
Villa’s Financial Context
Aston Villa find themselves in a tricky financial situation this summer, knowing they need to sell players to comply with UEFA rules. United previously took advantage of a £35 million release clause in Youri Tielemans’ contract to sign the Belgian, while PSG are in talks to re-sign Lucas Digne. Villa are set to bring in a reported £45 million from those two transfers but have already signed Swiss midfielder Johan Manzambi for a similar fee. They also sanctioned the sale of Morgan Rogers for a club-record £117 million, with Chelsea beating Arsenal to his signature.
Final Thoughts
Ollie Watkins represents a ready-made Premier League striker who could offer immediate impact for either Arsenal or Manchester United. Villa’s need to raise funds creates an opening, but the asking price and competing interest will shape any potential deal. Both clubs must weigh whether Watkins fits their long-term attacking plans as the transfer window progresses.
