Arsenal finally take the first step towards signing Ollie Watkins

Ollie Watkins could be on his way to Arsenal. (Image credits - FMT , License Details)

Arsenal have finally made their first official move in order to sign Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa. 

According to Sky Sports, the Gunners, who are in desperate need of a reliable no. 9, made an offer of £60 million for Villa’s talisman. 

However, it is now being reported that Aston Villa have turned down Arsenal's first bid, with the London giants expected to return with an improved offer.

Arsenal and Watkins: A partnership destined to happen?

It's not the first time that Ollie Watkins has been linked with Arsenal for a potential move. 

As per The Athletic UK, Arsenal had inquired about the English star last summer as well. However, the Gunners did not proceed further. 

Watkins' interest in Arsenal is also not new and goes way back to his childhood days. 

The Englishman had revealed in an interview back in 2020 that he was a Gooner since he was a kid and aspires to play for them one day. 

Watkins also added that he still has to go a long way in order to make his dream turn into a reality. 

It will be fair to say now that Watkins has come a long way since then, rising through the ranks to become one of the best strikers in the Premier League. 

Since his debut in the Premier League, the Villa no. 11 has registered 69 goals and 31 assists in 169 appearances, while also recording a G/A of 15 in just 23 appearances this season. 

Arsenal, who have been in search of a striker since last summer, need someone who can instantly settle into the team and start providing them with goals on a consistent basis that Mikel Arteta so desperately requires. 

As a result of this, Arteta and co. have shifted their focus from players like Benjamin Šeško and Randal Kolo Muani back to Ollie Watkins, aiming to sign him before the January transfer window closes.

“I don't want him to leave” says Unai Emery on Watkins' situation 

The Aston Villa manager, Unai Emery, has expressed his clear intentions amidst Watkins’ saga with Arsenal. 

According to Sky Sports, when asked about his say on Watkins’ situation, the Spanish manager replied, “I don't want [him to leave]." It is good news to have an offer from other clubs or interest. It is good.” (sic)

He further added, “But we want to keep our sporting objective through the players we have in the squad. Every player can be in the market in case it is good for the club, the player, and the team, but to get this deal, of course, we are going to be very demanding as well, and Watkins is our striker." (sic)

Amidst Arsenal's first bid’s rejection for Watkins, Aston Villa have agreed to Al-Nassr’s bid for their other star striker, Jhon Durán, who is set to join the Saudi giants before the January transfer window closes.

Unai Emery, who was having a major dilemma in choosing between his star strikers, might be left without both of them at the end of the current season in case Watkins’ deal with Arsenal goes through.