Man Utd and Arsenal in £40m Ollie Watkins transfer battle with ‘official approach’ anticipated

Aston Villa’s summer exodus has taken another dramatic turn, with Ollie Watkins now the subject of a £40m tug-of-war between Manchester United and Arsenal. The England striker, 30, has become the latest Villa asset to attract Premier League interest after the club blocked a £35m bid from Fenerbahce. With Villa under pressure to balance their books ahead of UEFA’s financial regulations, the race to sign Watkins has intensified just as the Gunners and Red Devils look to reshape their attacking options.

Villa’s financial squeeze sets the stage

Villa have already lost key players this summer, including Youri Tielemans (£35m) and Morgan Rogers (£117m), while signing Johan Manzambi for a similar outlay. The club’s need to sell is clear: they sanctioned a £117m departure for Rogers to Chelsea, a move that underscores their willingness to cash in on talent to comply with UEFA’s squad cost rules. Against this backdrop, Fenerbahce’s proposed £35m bid for Watkins was swiftly rejected, but the Turkish side’s interest has only highlighted the striker’s value. Arsenal and United now see an opening, with both clubs prepared to meet Villa’s valuation to secure a proven Premier League goalscorer.

Villa’s financial reality is further exposed by their recent activity. The club’s reported £45m from Tielemans and Lucas Digne sales has been offset by Manzambi’s arrival, leaving little room for error. The sale of Rogers, Villa’s record transfer, was a statement of intent—but it also signals that no player is untouchable if the price is right. Watkins, with 15 goals last season, fits that bill.

Arsenal’s Jesus exit clears Watkins path

Arsenal’s pursuit of Watkins is directly tied to their own attacking overhaul. The Gunners are expected to sell Gabriel Jesus this summer, with AC Milan among the suitors, and have identified Watkins as a ready-made replacement. The Brazilian’s potential departure would leave a void in Arsenal’s frontline, one that Mikel Arteta may look to fill with the Villa striker. Arsenal’s recent signing of Christos Tzolis suggests they are already reshaping their squad, but Watkins offers Premier League pedigree and a direct route to goal.

United, meanwhile, face their own attacking questions. Joshua Zirkzee’s future is in flux after Juventus and Roma expressed interest, and a potential exit for the Dutch forward could prompt Carrick’s side to act on Watkins. The Sun reports that if Zirkzee departs, United would then turn their attention to Villa’s No. 10. With Bruno Fernandes extending his stay, United’s focus shifts to bolstering their frontline—something Watkins could provide.

Villa’s dilemma: sell or stand firm?

Aston Villa’s position is precarious. They have already lost Rogers, a homegrown talent, and Tielemans, a midfield cornerstone, while Manzambi’s arrival does little to address their defensive needs. Selling Watkins would further weaken their squad, but the financial imperative may outweigh sporting concerns. Villa’s refusal to accept Fenerbahce’s bid shows they are not desperate sellers—but the lure of £40m could change that calculation.

The club’s recent activity, including Alejandro Garnacho’s loan arrival, suggests they are still trying to strengthen in key areas. However, the Watkins situation risks leaving them exposed if they cannot replace his goals. With Arsenal and United circling, Villa may soon face a choice: take the money and rebuild, or hold firm and risk falling behind their rivals.

What comes next?

The coming days will determine whether Villa can resist the pressure. If Arsenal or United submit an official bid, Villa will be forced to decide between financial relief and sporting decline. The Gunners’ need to replace Jesus gives them urgency, while United’s potential Zirkzee exit could free up funds for Watkins. Either way, Villa’s summer of departures is far from over.

For Watkins, the prospect of a move to a title-chasing side is tantalising. But Villa’s stance remains firm—for now. The next 48 hours could redefine the Premier League’s attacking landscape.