Transfers

Arsenal fans left torn on Ollie Watkins transfer as opening £60m bid rejected by Aston Villa

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Arsenal fans have been left undecided over whether the side should make a move for Ollie Watkins, following an initial offer made to Aston Villa.

It comes as the Gunners make a huge effort to land a striker in the final few days of the January transfer window to improve Mikel Arteta’s options.

While plenty of other targets seem unavailable, Arsenal have made an opening bid to Aston Villa for Watkins in the region of £60million.

That offer has been rejected by the Villains, though it remains to be seen whether another move will be made in the final days.

Aston Villa FC v Brighton & Hove Albion FC - Premier League
Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images

Arsenal fans react to Ollie Watkins bid made

Following a bid made and rejected for Watkins, Arsenal fans had plenty to say about the possible transfer of the striker.

There was mixed opinion though, with some supporters backing a deal and others slightly more unsure.

Taking to social media, one fan said: “More than a 60M for Watkins would be crazy expensive.”

Others weren’t quite as sceptical, adding: “I repeat, bring Watkins. Firstly, he is far far better than all the guys we’ve got in attack bar Saka, secondly, he can make things happen on his own. Whatever amount you pay now is your business and you lose for not being proactive.”

“No more Ollie Watkins dunking on us at the Emirates,” another fan said, harking back to some of his success scoring against the Gunners.

“So Arsenal have woken up,” another added. “Watkins seems to go against our usual transfer model, big money for a player 11 months off 30, but there is absolutely no denying his quality. 32 PL G/A last season speaks for itself. It’d be a signing to win now. Interested to see how it develops.”

Others continued with: “The gap between Isak and Watkins isn’t as big as you lot pretend it is if we’re being honest btw.”

Another added: “Watkins ain’t worth £60m but I’ll take anyone at this point.”

It remains to be seen whether Arsenal get their man, but there is plenty of differing opinions on the star and a possible move.

Aston Villa FC v West Ham United FC - Premier League
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images

How has Ollie Watkins performed for Aston Villa this season?

One thing Arsenal have been lacking is goals and while Watkins certainly brings that, he also provides assists in his game too.

The striker has already hit double figures for goals in the Premier League, while his ability to set up teammates is a clear strength too.

Appearances31
Goals10
Assists8
Ollie Watkins statistics all competitions 2024/25.

If he can translate those to Arsenal, then the side will certainly have a better chance of securing silverware or even a title this season.